South Carolina governor’s wife tests positive for coronavirus

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s (R) wife Peggy McMaster tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, the governor’s office said this weekend.

The governor said he had tested negative and that his wife was not experiencing symptoms.

Both attended a White House Christmas party the previous Monday evening after testing negative for the virus earlier in the day. Brian Symmes, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, said both wore “a face covering when it was necessary and when social distancing wasn’t possible.”

“I’m happy to say that Peggy is feeling well, isn’t experiencing any symptoms at this time and is in good spirits,” the governor said in a statement, according to The State. “This shows us, once again, how contagious this virus truly is and how important it is that we follow the advice and recommendations of our public health officials. We are working closely with SCDHEC [the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control] to ensure that we follow all of the recommended guidelines and that Peggy’s close contacts are notified.”

President Trump has defended continuing to hold White House parties during the pandemic, saying attendees wear masks, although numerous attendees have been photographed without them.

The governor, who had events scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, will isolate for seven days, while his wife will isolate for 10 days. They will both remain in the governor’s residence but isolate from one another to the best of their ability, Symmes said, and the governor will work from home while quarantined.

Both are 73, making them significantly more at risk for hospitalization.

Peggy McMaster’s diagnosis follows Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) announcing his diagnosis earlier this week. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R) and members of her family also tested positive in the fall.