Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tests positive for COVID-19, first lady tests negative

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

Wolf said he is in isolation at home.

He released the following statement:

“During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have no symptoms and am feeling well. I am following CDC and Department of Health guidelines. Frances has been tested and, as we await the result, is quarantining at home with me.

“I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely, as many are doing during the pandemic.

“As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee, but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease and so I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household, and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe.”

First Lady Frances Wolf tested negative for COVID-19, the state announced on Thursday. She will continue to quarantine at home.

“Tom and I are grateful for the well-wishes and support we have received,” said First Lady Wolf. “Please, on behalf of the more than 400,000 Pennsylvanians who have contracted this virus, the more than 12,000 who have died, and the healthcare and essential workers who are overwhelmed and scared, follow the direction of our doctors. Wear your masks. And, if you can, stay home.”

This news comes the same day sources tell Channel 11 that he and the state health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine were expected to announce new statewide restrictions.

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Channel 11 talked to Lt. Gov. John Fetterman. He said the governor is tested regularly and he self-isolated immediately.

“My only concern is his wellbeing and for a fast and full recovery, the way it would be for anybody. Especially, the governor is my friend and a great human being,” Fetterman said.

Fetterman believes potential exposure to others is limited.

However, a spokesperson for the governor’s office said multiple members of the governor’s security team recently tested positive, and said all of the governor’s close contacts, including Levine, who have also been working at PEMA, have tested negative. Levine is quarantining at home.

Fetterman said the governor is following Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health guidelines.

“This idea that somehow that only affects my neighbor or the people I read about in the news, that simply isn’t true,” Fetterman said.

He said the governor and Levine will likely announce the new statewide restrictions on Thursday.

Officials with the Department of Health sent Channel 11 a statement:

“We have said that this virus knows no boundaries, and it is essential that we are all vigilant. We know that even those individuals taking every precaution possible are still at risk.”

”As we have said repeatedly, Pennsylvanians have a collective responsibility to each other to do the right thing. Wear a mask, avoid gatherings, social distance, download the COVID Alert PA app and if you are sick, stay home.”

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