Minnesota governor to self-quarantine for 2 weeks following coronavirus contact

Tim Walz.
(Image credit: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The governor of Minnesota is headed into self-quarantine.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced Monday he'll be working from home for 14 days after a member of his security detail he was "in close proximity to" tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.

"The most important thing Minnesotans can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home," Walz said in a statement. "I'm using this as an opportunity to lead by example."

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Walz said he is "feeling healthy" and doesn't have symptoms, but he notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that those who come into contact with anyone who tests positive for the novel coronavirus self-quarantine for two weeks.

This news comes after Sens. Mitt Romney (R-Utah.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) both said they would self-quarantine after they were in contact with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who became the first senator to test positive for the coronavirus.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.