Ohio Governor Mike DeWine received surprising news on Thursday when his routine Covid-19 test taken before his scheduled meeting with President Trump came back positive.
The governor’s scheduled meeting with the president was to begin the afternoon in Cleveland, during which the president would deliver remarks on economic prosperity and then tour the Whirlpool Corporation plant in Clyde, Ohio.
DeWine confirmed the test results and said he has not observed any symptoms so far.
Governor DeWine tested positive for the virus #COVID19. There are no symptoms at this time. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/WnkmoGxR2m
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 6, 2020
The governor said he would immediately return to the capital, Columbus, where his wife, Fran, would also be tested. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted also was tested Thursday before the presidential event, but his results were negative. DeWine further pledged to follow the positive test protocol and self-quarantine for 14 days.
DeWine, a Republican, hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye with the president throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. His orders to Ohioans have leaned more toward Democratic governors’ strict lockdown orders, making him the subject of criticism from conservatives.
EXCLUSIVE: @GovMikeDeWine responds to Gov. Doug Burgum’s (R-N.D.) emotional statement about wearing masks. #MTP #If it’s Sunday
“I watched this clip several times. This is not about politics. … We wear a mask … not to protect ourselves, but to protect others.” pic.twitter.com/SU5RKlePOw
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) May 24, 2020
DeWine is holding off on a statewide mask mandate for all people in public places, but will require all employees at all businesses to wear masks. Ohio has seen an enhance in Covid-19 cases in recent days after months of decline.
The governor was among the first in the country to issue strict orders early on to contain the virus. Ohio was the first state to close all schools to leisurely the spread of the virus.
On Thursday afternoon, the White House released a miniature message to the leader of the Buckeye State.
“The President wishes Governor DeWine a speedy and full recovery and applauds the work he is doing for the great state of Ohio.”
