Virginia Governor Northam, First Lady Test Positive For COVID-19

Virginia governor Ralph Northam and first lady Pam Northam have both tested positive for COVID-19, the governor's office announced in an official statement Friday morning.

Gov. Northam said he and his wife were both tested Thursday after being notified that a member of their official residence staff had developed symptoms.

"We both received PCR nasal swab tests yesterday and both tested positive," Gov. Northam said. "Pam is experiencing mild symptoms, and I am asymptomatic. Per Virginia Department of Health guidelines, we will isolate at home for 10 days and then reevaluate our symptoms."

Gov. Northam said he will be working from the Executive Mansion during quarantine and remain in "constant contact" with his cabinet and staff.

“As I’ve been reminding Virginians throughout this crisis, COVID-19 is very real and very contagious,” Gov. Northam added.

The governor's office said Gov. Northam and the first lady are working closely with the Virginia Health Department to trace their close contacts. The Executive Mansion and Patrick Henry office building will be closed for deep cleaning Friday morning amid news of the positive tests.

Northam, an eight-year United States Army veteran, served as lieutenant governor of Virginia for four years before assuming the office of governor in 2018.

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