Virginia Democratic Governor Ralph Northam dropped a bomb on Friday morning when he revealed that he and his wife, first lady Pamela Northam, had tested positive for coronavirus.
“On Wednesday evening, Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam were notified that a member of the Governor’s official residence staff, who works closely within the couple’s living quarters, had developed symptoms and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19,” read a statement posted on the governor’s website. “Both the Governor and First Lady received PCR nasal swab tests yesterday afternoon, and both tested positive. Governor Northam is experiencing no symptoms. First Lady Pamela Northam is currently experiencing mild symptoms. Both remain in good spirits.
“Consistent with guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the Governor and First Lady will isolate for the next 10 days and evaluate their symptoms,” the statement added. “The Governor is in constant contact with his cabinet and staff and will fulfill his duties from the Executive Mansion.”
Northam himself spoke out to remind citizens of the dangers of COVID-19.
“As I’ve been reminding Virginians throughout this crisis, COVID-19 is very real and very contagious,” Northam said. “The safety and health of our staff and close contacts is of utmost importance to Pam and me, and we are working closely with the Department of Health to ensure that everyone is well taken care of.
“We are grateful for your thoughts and support, but the best thing you can do for us — and most importantly, for your fellow Virginians — is to take this seriously,” he added.
Northam is the fourth governor to test positive for coronavirus after three Republican leaders caught the virus, according to CNN. Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt was the first governor to test positive for COVID-19 back in July, and one month later, Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced that he had it as well. Earlier this week, Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Parson and his wife had tested positive for coronavirus, making Northam the fourth governor to get it.
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