Tennessee Governor Lee Tests Negative After Exposure To COVID-19

Tennessee governor Bill Lee has confirmed he's tested negative for COVID-19 after being exposed to a member of his executive security detail who tested positive for coronavirus.

Gov. Lee said he's "feeling well," but will remain in quarantine with his wife, First Lady Maria Lee, "out of an abundance of caution." Additionally, Gov. Lee's Wednesday in-person press briefing has been canceled, however, he and Tennessee Department of Health commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey will provide updates to reporters on the phone.

"Today, a member of my Executive Security Detail tested positive for COVID-19," Gov. Lee tweeted on Wednesday. "I am feeling well and have tested negative for COVID-19, but out of an abundance of caution, I am quarantining at home with Maria until further notice.

"Our office protocol requires masks and social distancing and no staff are believed to be positive at this time. Our regularly scheduled, in-person press briefing will be canceled. I will provide an update to reporters by phone this afternoon with @TNDeptofHealth's Dr. Lisa Piercey."

Governor Lee's office issued the following statement to FOX 17 News on Wednesday:

"Today, a member of the Governor's Executive Security Detail has tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Lee is feeling well and has tested negative for COVID-19 but out of an abundance of caution, he is quarantining at home with the First Lady until further notice. Governor's Office protocol requires masks and social distancing and no staff are believed to be positive at this time. The regularly scheduled, in-person press briefing will be canceled and Gov. Lee will provide an update to reporters by phone this afternoon with Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey."

On Wednesday, the Tennessee Department of Health reported 220,538 cases, which included 1,709 new cases in a 24-hour span and 22,073 active cases of COVID-19 in the state of Tennessee.

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