Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and wife Pamela have tested positive for the coronavirus, his office said Friday.
“Consistent with guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health, the governor and first lady will isolate for the next 10 days and evaluate their symptoms,” the office said in an issued statement. “The governor is in constant contact with his Cabinet and staff and will fulfill his duties from the Executive Mansion.”
A member of the governor’s official residency staff has developed symptoms and tested positive. While Northam had no symptoms, his wife had mild ones.
The Executive Mansion and the Patrick Henry office building were closed to the public for deep cleaning Friday.
Northam urged Virginians to take the coronavirus seriously and thanked his constituents for their thoughts and prayers.
Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax said Northam informed him of the positive tests Thursday.
“I am certain that Ralph and Pam will have a speedy recovery and the Fairfax family will keep them in our prayers,” Fairfax said, WTOP reported. “My thoughts are also with the governor’s staff and family.”
As of Friday, Virginia has roughly 144,000 coronavirus cases, including 3,100 related deaths, according to the state health department’s tracker.
