The governor of Montana Greg Gianforte
Governor Gregory Richard GianforteMontana signs bill banning sanctuary cities Governor of Montana warned of catching and killing wolf near Yellowstone Overnight Health Care: CDC urges reopening of schools with caution | Cuomo faces increasing scrutiny of deaths in nursing homes COVID-19 | Biden officials are moving to start canceling Medicaid work requirements MORE (R) tested positive for COVID-19 months, his office confirmed in a statement.
The statement shared with The Hill said that the GOP governor is experiencing “mild symptoms” and will be isolated for 10 days. Gianforte’s office did not immediately confirm the governor’s symptoms.
His wife, Susan Gianforte, is waiting for the test results and showed no symptoms.
The governor “notified all persons with whom he may have had close contact,” according to the statement. Its staff will be tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning.
Gianforte received the first dose of his COVID-19 vaccine last week. He shared a video on social media, receiving his inoculation at a Walgreens in the state.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and accessible to all Montanians over the age of 16.
Thanks to the great staff at @Walgreens because I did my first quick, light and painless shot yesterday! pic.twitter.com/SZM2CdlikF
– Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) April 2, 2021
Gianforte is not the first governor to give positive results to COVID-19. Michael Dunleavy (R), Alaska, South Carolina, Henry McMaster (R) and Virginia, Ralph Northam (D), tested positive for coronavirus, among several other governors.
The Montana governor lifted the state’s mask last month after saying the state had made progress in vaccinating the most vulnerable against COVID-19.
He made the announcement during a legislation signing ceremony that protects companies, health care providers, houses of worship and nonprofit organizations from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
Montana reported at least 105,142 COVID-19 cases and 1,466 deaths