Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Re-Tests Negative For COVID-19 After Positive Test Before Trump Visit

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine tweeted late Thursday that he had re-tested negative for coronavirus. Earlier in the day, DeWine tested positive for COVID-19 as he was awaiting a visit to the state from President Trump.

“In a second COVID-19 test administered today in Columbus, Governor Mike DeWine has tested negative for COVID-19,” DeWine wrote on Twitter. “First Lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative.“

DeWine was given the first coronavirus test on Thursday as part of standard protocol as he was set to meet President Trump on the tarmac of the Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, the governor’s office said.

Trump was arriving in Ohio to tour the Whirlpool plant in Clyde, and then would be attending a private fundraiser in Bratenahl.

DeWine said in a Twitter post that he has no symptoms. He will be returning to Columbus, where the state’s First Lady Fran DeWine will be tested for the virus. DeWine said he will them return to his home in Cedarville, Ohio, where he will quarantine for 14 days.

DeWine, 73, had recently announced that the Ohio Department of Health would issue a public health order, requiring children to wear face masks while in schools.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was also in Cleveland to greet Trump but tested negative for the virus, the governor’s office said.

Ohio has reported over 96,300 positive coronavirus cases, with over 3,500 COVID-19 deaths as of Thursday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University.