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