Virginia Governor And First Lady Quarantine After Testing Positive For COVID-19

KEY POINTS

Gov. Ralph Northam and his wife, Pamela Northam, were exposed to the virus by a staff member at the Virginia Executive Mansion
The governor is asymptomatic while his wife has shown some symptoms
Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons and his wife, Teresa Parsons, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Friday he tested positive for COVID-19, along with his wife, Pamela Northam.

A report from the governor’s office said the couple came into contact with a staff member at the Virginia Executive Mansion who tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. The Northams were then tested on Thursday as a precautionary measure and both tests came back positive.

Gov. Northam said he is asymptomatic while Pamela Northam was showing “mild symptoms.”

“As I've been reminding Virginians throughout this crisis, COVID-19 is very real and very contagious,” Gov. Northam said in a press release. “The safety and health of our staff and close contacts is of utmost importance to Pam and me, and we are working closely with the Department of Health to ensure that everyone is well taken care of.”

“We are grateful for your thoughts and support, but the best thing you can do for us –and most importantly, for your fellow Virginians – is to take this seriously.”

Gov. Northam’s diagnosis comes two days after Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and his wife, Teresa Parson, both tested positive for COVID-19. The diagnosis forced Gov. Parson to postpone campaign events ahead of the November elections where the Republican governor is being challenged by Democrat Nicole Galloway.