Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Tuesday.
Abbott, who is fully vaccinated, underwent his routine daily testing and got a positive result, his office said in a statement. The governor is currently asymptomatic, but is isolated and receiving Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment, which is the same regimen former President Trump was given when he tested positive COVID-19 in October.
“Governor Greg Abbott today tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The Governor has been testing daily, and today was the first positive test result,” the governor’s office said.
“Governor Abbott is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, in good health, and currently experiencing no symptoms. Everyone that the Governor has been in close contact with today has been notified.” His wife, Cecilia Abbott, has tested negative, his office added.
Abbott has consistently stood against mandating coronavirus precautions in Texas. He signed an executive order prohibiting mask mandates in May, which threatened to fine individuals up to $1,000 if they try to violate the order by requiring face coverings to be worn.
The Republican governor issued another executive order last month that said individuals in Texas have “have mastered the safe practices that help to prevent and avoid the spread of COVID-19.”
“They have the individual right and responsibility to decide for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks, open their businesses, and engage in leisure activities,” he added.
