California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today that he tested positive for Covid-19, despite doubling and increasing. He has only mild symptoms and will start taking Paxlovid to fight the virus, according to a statement from his office.
The news comes as the number of infections in the state has grown rapidly in recent weeks, although the governor has tried to keep the focus on initiatives around global climate leadership, arms control, relief of rents and water conservation.
Sacramento, where Newsom lives and works, has a test positive rate well above the state’s already high average rate. California’s 7-day test success rate is 7%. Sacramento County was up 10.4% Friday. Given that so many residents use home test kits, which are not reported in official figures, the actual rate is likely to be much higher.
This is the announcement made by the Newsom office today:
This morning, the governor tested positive for COVID-19 after showing mild symptoms. The governor will continue to work remotely. According to local and state health guidelines, Governor Newsom will remain isolated until at least Thursday, June 2, and until negative.
As stated in the California SMARTER plan, which focuses on testing and treatment, the governor will test before getting out of isolation. The governor has also received a prescription for Paxlovid, the antiviral that has been shown to be effective against COVID-19, and will begin its 5-day regimen immediately. Governor Newsom is vaccinated and has received two booster injections, including one on May 18.