TEXAS – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday, according to his office, who said he is in good health and experiencing no symptoms.
As you may have heard, I have Covid.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 17, 2021
Right now I have no symptoms such as fever or aches and pains.
Thanks for the well wishes from around the country.
I will remain engaged every day to govern the great state of Texas.
God bless you all, and God bless Texas. pic.twitter.com/kbYPt1FpNj
According to Mark Miner, the governor’s communications director, Abbott has been testing daily and Tuesday was his first positive result.
Abbott is planning to isolate in the Governor’s Mansion and continue to test daily, his office said.
The office of the governor released the following statement:
“Governor Greg Abbott today tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. 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. Governor Abbott is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in good health, and currently experiencing no symptoms. Everyone that the Governor has been in close contact with today has been notified. Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott tested negative.”
The news of the positive test came the same day the governor shared photos of himself on Twitter with guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, though the post didn’t say when the photos were taken.
Honor to meet with @JimmieVaughan—brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan and a legendary Texas musician in his own right.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 17, 2021
Hope to catch your show in September at the @ErwinCenter. pic.twitter.com/QNv4K8JmhT
The night before, Abbott shared photos of a standing-room-only event in Collin County. Texans for Abbott shared a video on Twitter showing the governor in the middle of a crowded room.
Another standing room only event in Collin County tonight.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 17, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/wlPZyrHpx3
“If you were in close proximity with the governor yesterday, I suggest that in three or four days you get tested for COVID whether you have symptoms or not,” said Dr. Joseph Varon, chief of intensive care at Houston’s United Memorial Medical Center.
The governor’s office has said Abbott has been testing daily and Tuesday was his first positive test.
“He probably had the virus in his body yesterday,” Varon said. “I mean the jury’s out as to how much he had, but the fact is that he went from being negative to being positive, and in between, he met with a variety of individuals that I would suggest get tested.”
Abbott said he’s receiving Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment, the same treatment the state has been ramping up as COVID cases increase.
A statement posted on Vaughan’s Twitter on Tuesday said the guitarist and his family tested negative and are doing fine.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
— Jimmie Vaughan (@JimmieVaughan) August 17, 2021
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. Thanks so very much to all who reached out with concern.
We wish the Governor a speedy recovery.
Abbott’s wife, Cecilia Abbott, tested negative. Miner said, “everyone that the Governor has been in close contact with today has been notified.”
The governor is the latest Texan to test positive as cases of the virus soar and hospitals around the state are stretched thin. More than 11,500 patients were hospitalized with the virus as of Monday, the highest levels since January.
Social media wishes Gov. Abbott a speedy recovery after positive COVID test
Release: Texas Democrats Wish Gov. Abbott A Speedy Recovery After Testing Positive for COVID-19 #txlege
— Texas Democrats (@texasdemocrats) August 17, 2021
Read more: https://t.co/RDUWFtH1nm pic.twitter.com/99xGsNiTl9
Wishing @GovAbbott a speedy recovery. Thankfully, he’s fully vaccinated.
— Christian D. Menefee (@CDMenefee) August 17, 2021
Please folks, get the vaccine if you’re eligible to do so, and wear a mask.
And let’s all do our part to protect those who cannot get vaccinated, like children under 12. https://t.co/WxGn4kf51G
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on Gov. Greg Abbott Testing Positive for COVID-19:
“I am sorry to hear the news that Gov. Abbott has tested positive for COVID-19. Please join Jan and me in prayer for him. I’ve been in touch with Gov. Abbott and I stand ready to assist him in any way possible.”