Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and his wife test positive for COVID-19


Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) and his wife have both tested positive for COVID-19.
Northam's office announced on Friday that he and Virginia first lady Pamela Northam had tested positive for the coronavirus after a member of the governor's residence staff "who works closely within the couple's living quarters" previously tested positive. The governor has no symptoms, and his wife is "currently experiencing mild symptoms," the statement said.
"As I've been reminding Virginians throughout this crisis, COVID-19 is very real and very contagious," Northam said. "...We are grateful for your thoughts and support, but the best thing you can do for us — and most importantly, for your fellow Virginians — is to take this seriously."
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Northam is the latest U.S. governor to contract COVID-19 after Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) tested positive earlier this week, saying he has "no symptoms of any kind." Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) also previously tested positive for the coronavirus in July. Northam and his wife both plan to self-isolate for 10 days.
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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.
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