A staff member in Gov. Steve Bullock's office has tested positive to COVID-19, the governor's press secretary, Erin Loranger, said Wednesday.
Bullock was not in close contact with the staffer but took a test Wednesday out of caution, which was negative, according to Loranger.
Because he is not a close contact, Bullock does not need to quarantine, she said.
Here's the full release from Loranger:
Today, we learned that a staff member in the Governor’s Office tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member was tested after experiencing symptoms and has not been in the office this week.The Governor is not a close contact of this individual and has not been in sustained in-person contact with the individual in the last two weeks. Out of an abundance of caution, the Governor took a test today and the test came back negative. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Holzman has advised that because the Governor is not a close contact and has tested negative, he does not need to quarantine. The Governor will continue to be regularly tested over the next few days. The Lt. Governor is also not considered a close contact, took a test today, and the test came back negative.
Four additional Governor’s office staff that are considered close contacts are also taking precautionary measures, are quarantining, and have been tested. They will remain in quarantine for the recommended 14-day quarantine period. We are awaiting the results of their tests, and will keep you updated.
This is another reminder that anyone can contract this virus. In our office, we wear masks and nurses take temperature checks on all staff every morning. Everyone must take this virus seriously — it is real, and we all need to act with our fellow Montanans in mind.
