SC governor experiencing ‘mild symptoms’ after testing positive for COVID-19

SOUTH CAROLINA — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has tested positive for COVID-19 days after his wife announced she had contracted the virus, South Carolina officials announced Tuesday.

According to officials, the governor was undergoing routine testing after First Lady Peggy McMaster’s positive test and was made aware late Monday evening that he had tested positive for the virus.

Officials said the first lady remains asymptomatic, while the governor is experiencing mild symptoms with a cough and slight fatigue. Both remain in good spirits.

The governor will isolate for the next 10 days and look out for any additional symptoms as he works from home.

“Peggy and I urge everyone to be extra careful during the Christmas holiday season,” Gov. McMaster said. “This virus spreads very easily.”

On Tuesday, the governor will receive Monoclonal Antibody treatment, which is a preventive measure for those with mild to moderate symptoms. It is readily available to the general public upon a physician’s order.

According to SCDHEC physicians, there is no way to pinpoint precisely when or how Gov. McMaster or the first lady contracted the virus.

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According to CDC and SCDHEC guidelines, contact tracing is conducted for the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms or 48 hours prior to an eventual positive test being conducted. Officials said the governor quarantined himself when he knew he was in close contact with the virus and sent his staff home to quarantine and get tested to ensure their health and safety.

Because the governor followed the guidelines and recommendations as a “close contact,” SCDHEC has determined there are no “close contacts” to the governor.

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Cox Media Group