By: KDKA-TV Staff
COLUMBUS, Ohio (KDKA) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has tested negative for coronavirus following a second test.
In a post on his verified Twitter account, DeWine said he and First Lady Fran DeWine have tested negative.
UPDATE: In a second COVID-19 test administered today in Columbus, Governor Mike DeWine has tested negative for COVID-19. First Lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative. pic.twitter.com/0Ixap90mJg
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 7, 2020
The governor announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday morning. Per protocol, Gov. DeWine was tested to greet President Donald Trump on the tarmac at the Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland.
“A PCR test was administered to the Governor and members of his staff this afternoon. The PCR test looks for the specific RNA for the SARS CoV-2 — in other words, the genetic material specific for the virus that causes COVID-19,” a statement on DeWine’s Twitter says. “The PCR test is known to be extremely sensitive, as well as specific, for the virus. The PCR tests for the Governor, First Lady, and staff were run twice. They came back negative the first time and came back negative when they were run on a second diagnostic platform.”
The governor feels “confident” in the results and will take another PCR test on Saturday.
Out of an abundance of caution, and at the direction of medical professionals, the Governor and First Lady plan on having another PCR test on Saturday. Results of these tests will also be released.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 7, 2020