Texas Governor Greg Abbott Tests Positive For COVID-19

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated.

According to a statement from his office, Abbott is asymptomatic and in good health. He is currently isolated at the governor’s mansion and receiving Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment.

“Governor Greg Abbott today tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The Governor has been testing daily, and today was the first positive test result,” the statement read. “Governor Abbott is in constant communication with his staff, agency heads, and government officials to ensure that state government continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.” 

Everyone that has had close contact with Abbott has been notified of his positive test. First Lady Cecilia Abbott has tested negative for the virus.

Breakthrough infections of coronavirus in fully vaccinated people are possible. However, it is not common. Breakthrough cases happen in less than one percent of vaccinated people.

Abbott has been a staunch critic of mask mandates throughout the pandemic. Last month Abbott issued an executive order banning school districts from requiring masks. 

In March, the governor lifted the state’s mask mandate and allowed businesses to resume operating at 100 percent. 

Texas has seen a surge of COVID-19 cases recently. The state is seeing its highest number of new cases since February. On Monday, there were 12,498 cases recorded. Hospitalizations are up, and there are only 327 ICU beds available in the entire state.

As you may have heard, I have Covid.

Right now I have no symptoms such as fever or aches and pains.

Thanks for the well wishes from around the country.

I will remain engaged every day to govern the great state of Texas.

God bless you all, and God bless Texas. pic.twitter.com/kbYPt1FpNj

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 17, 2021