Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced Tuesday. Abbott is fully vaccinated and has no symptoms at this time.
“The governor conducted verifications daily and today the first positive result of the verification,” Abbott communications director Mark Miner said Tuesday afternoon. “Governor Abbott is in constant communication with his staff, steadfast bosses and government officials to ensure that the state government continues to serve with the same kindness and effectiveness. The governor will isolate himself in the governor’s mansion and will continue to control every day. “
In a video posted on his Twitter account Tuesday night, Abbott said he “had no symptoms like fever or body aches” and “will remain committed every day to the government of the wonderful state of Texas. “
At the moment, I have no symptoms like fever or body aches.
Thank you for the whole country.
I will remain committed every day to governing the wonderful state of Texas.
May God bless you all and May God bless Texas. pic. twitter. com/kbYPt1FpNj
Miner also said Abbott is being treated with Regeneron monoclonal antibodies, which may help shorten the duration of COVID infection.
Cecilia Abbott, his wife, tested negative for Miner.
Texas has noticed an increase in cases in recent weeks due to the Delta variant. On Tuesday, the state Department of Health reported 20,123 new cases of COVID, which is among the highest number of positive cases in Texas since the pandemic began.
More than 12,000 patients were hospitalized with the virus on Monday, the most since January. Last week, Abbott announced that it had organized more than 2,500 doctors to help hospitals manage case construction. Earlier this month, he also asked Texas hospitals to voluntarily postpone elective procedures.
Abbott has resisted the adoption of new restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus. It recently banned local governments from putting COVID restrictions back in place and challenged local school districts that have tried to institute mask protection orders.
The governor has given the impression in public in recent days, tweeting a photo Monday night of a crowded event in suburban Dallas.
On Friday, Abbott announced plans to launch nine monoclonal antibody infusion centers in Texas equipped with Regeneron monoclonal antibodies. Former President Trump also received monoclonal antibody treatment from the pharmaceutical company after testing positive for COVID-19 last October.