COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine tested negative in a third test for the coronavirus since Thursday. His first test results showed he was infected with the virus, but a test later that day registered as negative.
Update 4:50 p.m. EDT Aug. 8: DeWine shared news Saturday afternoon that he and his wife had tested negative again for COVID-19 just two days after he received a positive test result. Saturday’s test results were his second negative test readings in a row.
Wanted to share that @FranDeWine FranDeWine and I tested negative again for COVID-19 today.
— Mike DeWine (@MikeDeWine) August 8, 2020
DeWine, who said he had no symptoms of the virus, did not say whether he still planned to quarantine for any amount of time.
Update 10:06 p.m. EDT Aug. 6: In a tweet Thursday night, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he tested negative in a second test for COVID-19. The governor said his wife and staff members also tested negative. DeWine took a second test after results came back positive earlier Thursday.
“Thanks for all the well wishes,” DeWine tweeted.
A PCR test was given to DeWine and members of his staff Thursday afternoon, according to WHIO-TV. The PCR test looks for the genetic material specific for the virus that causes COVID-19.
I tested negative in second test that I took today for COVID-19. First Lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative for COVID-19. Thanks to all for the well wishes.
— Mike DeWine (@MikeDeWine) August 7, 2020
“We feel confident in the results from Wexner Medical Center,” the governor’s office said Thursday night. “This is the same PCR test that has been used over 1.6 million times in Ohio by hospitals and labs all over the state.”
Original report: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said.
#BREAKING @GovMikeDeWine has tested positive for COVID-19: https://t.co/07DBc7oCAM
— WHIO-TV (@whiotv) August 6, 2020
DeWine, who is not showing any symptoms, said he tested positive as part of the standard procedures to meet President Donald Trump.
President Trump, who is visiting Northeast Ohio today, commented about DeWine’s positive test.
“We want to wish him the best,” Trump said. “He’ll be OK...he’s a great guy.”
As part of the standard protocol to greet President Trump on the tarmac in Cleveland, I took a COVID test. I tested positive. I have no symptoms at this time. I’m following protocol and will quarantine at home for the next 14 days.
— Mike DeWine (@MikeDeWine) August 6, 2020
DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine, who also shows no symptoms, will return to Columbus for further testing. They plan to quarantine at home together for the next 14 days.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted also took a test as part of the protocol. He tested negative.
Check back for more on this developing story.
Cox Media Group