Montana governor tests positive for COVID-19

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, his office confirmed in a statement.

The statement shared with The Hill said the GOP governor is experiencing “mild symptoms” and will isolate for 10 days. Gianforte’s office did not immediately confirm the governor’s symptoms. 

His wife, Susan Gianforte, is awaiting her test results and has not experienced any symptoms. 

The governor has “notified all individuals with whom he may have had close contact,” according to the statement. His staff will be tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning.

Gianforte received the first dose of his COVID-19 vaccine last week. He shared a video on social media receiving his inoculation at a Walgreens in the state. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and accessible to all Montanans 16 and older.

Thank you to the great staff at @Walgreens for making my first shot yesterday quick, easy, and painless! pic.twitter.com/SZM2CdlikF

— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) April 2, 2021

Gianforte is not the first governor to test positive for COVID-19. Alaska Gov. Michael Dunleavy (R), South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) have all tested positive for the coronavirus, among several other governors.

The Montana governor last month lifted the state’s mask mandate, after he said the state has made progress vaccinating the most vulnerable against COVID-19. 

He made the announcement during a signing ceremony for legislation that shields businesses, health care providers, houses of worship and nonprofit organizations from coronavirus-related lawsuits.

Montana has reported at least 105,142 COVID-19 cases and 1,466 fatalities