Minnesota governor announces positive COVID-19 test

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced on Tuesday that he and his family have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 

In a Twitter thread, Walz shared that he and his wife, Gwen, tested positive for the virus after their son tested positive on Sunday. 

“Thankfully, my son has mild symptoms and Gwen and I have no symptoms,” Walz said in a statement. “My son is vaccinated, and Gwen and I are vaccinated and have our booster shots, and I am confident that these vaccines are protecting my family and me from serious illness.”

According to Minnesota Public Radio, Walz canceled a planned ceremonial bill signing on Monday after learning of his son’s diagnosis, prompting him and other family members to get tested. 

“My family and I are isolating, and I will continue to work from home until I test negative for the virus. In the meantime, I encourage every Minnesotan to get tested, and get vaccinated and a booster to ensure they have strong protection against COVID-19,” Walz concluded. 

Minnesotans, I want to share that yesterday, my 9th grade son tested positive for COVID-19. Gwen and I were both tested that same day, and after initially testing negative in the morning, last night we received positive COVID-19 tests. pic.twitter.com/j2BhAiT5mN

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) December 21, 2021

The omicron COVID-19 variant now makes up about three quarters of new cases in the country.

Walz joins politicians including Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who announced on Sunday that they have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) wished Walz and his family “a quick recovery” from their symptoms. 

“I’m glad you all are experiencing no symptoms or mild symptoms – a testament to the importance of getting vaccinated & getting a booster shot,” McCollum wrote in a tweet.