Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to his office.
The Republican leader, who is fully vaccinated, was asymptomatic after testing positive and is receiving Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment while isolating at the Governor’s Mansion, said Abbott spokesman Mark Miner
“As you may have heard by now, I have tested positive for COVID-19,” Abbott said in a video posted to Twitter late Tuesday. “I have received the COVID-19 vaccine and that may be one reason why I’m really not feeling any symptoms right now. I have no fever, no aches or pains, no other types of symptoms.”
As you may have heard, I have Covid.
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
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 17, 2021
Miner said in a statement that “everyone that the Governor has been in close contact with today has been notified.”
“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.”
Abbott’s diagnosis comes as coronavirus infections and hospitalizations continue to rise across the state.
The Governor has faced criticism lately for refusing to allow local governments and school districts to impose mask or vaccination mandates.