Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Wednesday.
Dunleavy’s office said in a statement that he originally tested negative Sunday after being identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive that morning. He began quarantining to reduce potential exposure to others.
The governor felt well until Tuesday night and was tested again on Wednesday morning. The test came back positive, the statement said.
Dunleavy’s office said there is currently no close contact with the governor known because he was in quarantine during his infectious period. Anne Zinke, medical chief of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and the governor’s attending physician are watching him.
Had Dulvaney’s office a statement issued Monday, indicating that close contact took place on Saturday. According to the statement, he started isolating on Sunday when he was notified of the contact.
At least four of Dunleavy’s staff members tested positive in October, according to COVID-19 The Anchorage Daily News.
Jeff Turney, deputy director of communications for Dunleavy’s office, told The Hill that the governor has not yet been vaccinated, and plans to be vaccinated when he is eligible under the state’s vaccination plan.
Alaska reported 175 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, bringing the cumulative total to 55,736. The state has reported 287 deaths since the pandemic began.