Texas Governor Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID-19
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.
He is fully vaccinated against the virus and is not experiencing any symptoms, spokesperson Mark Miner said in a statement. He said that those who have been in close contact with the governor on Tuesday have been notified, and that Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott tested negative. Abbott , 63, received his first shot in December.
“Governor Greg Abbott today tested positive for the COVID-19 virus,” Miner said. “The Governor has been testing daily, and today was the first positive test result. Governor Abbott is in constant communication with his staff, agency heads, and government officials to ensure that state government continues to operate smoothly and efficiently. The Governor will isolate in the Governor’s Mansion and continue to test daily. Governor Abbott is receiving Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment.”
Abbott’s positive COVID-19 test comes as cases and hospitalizations have spiked across the state as the delta variant spreads. Abbott has encouraged people to get vaccinated, but has advocated for personal responsibility over mask mandates and vaccination requirements.
Abbott attended an event in Collin County on Monday, according to a Tweet shared by the governor. According to Abbott’s campaign account, he was at a Republican Club at Heritage Ranch meeting. Photos accompanying Abbott’s tweet show a full room of mask-less attendees. Abbott is also pictured without a mask. A video shared by Texans for Abbott, the campaign account, shows Abbott taking a photo with attendees without a mask on.
Abbott’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether attendees had been notified of Abbott’s positive test.
“Another standing room only event in Collin County tonight,” Abbott said in the post. “Thank y’all for the enthusiastic reception. Let’s keep this energy up and send a message that Texas values are NOT up for grabs in 2022.”
A photo shared Tuesday on Twitter shows Abbott posing with Jimmie Vaughn, the brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
“We want to let everyone know, that despite the news today of Governor Abbott’s positive Covid diagnosis, Jimmie & family have tested negative and are doing fine,” a statement shared on Vaughn’s Twitter page reads. “Thanks so very much to all who reached out with concern. We wish the Governor a speedy recovery.”
Texas reported more than 20,100 new coronavirus cases Tuesday and nearly 100 fatalities. As of Monday, there were more than 12,200 COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals compared to just under 1,600 on July 1.
Some lawmakers in the Texas Legislature sent well-wishes to the governor following Tuesday’s announcement.
“Kim and I are praying for your health and safety, Governor,” House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, said in a tweet.
Sen. Beverly Powell, D-Burleson, said she hopes Abbott has a “has a swift, speedy recovery after testing positive for COVID.”
“Join me in praying for the Governor and his wife, Cecilia,” she said in a tweet. “As more Texans continue to test positive for the virus, it is up to us all the take the precautions necessary to slow the spread.”
This story was originally published August 17, 2021 at 4:04 PM.
