A member of Governor John Bel Edward’s staff has tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
The governor’s office made the announcement Thursday morning, but did not revealed the identity of the infected staff member.
A media release says the infected person is asymptomatic and will self-quarantine for 14-days.
The person was recently at a media briefing and other internal office meetings at the state capitol. Twelve other staff members who were in ‘close contact’ with the staff member will also self-quarantine. Epidemiologists working with the governor say Edwards was not in close contact with the infected staff member.
So far, this person is asymptomatic and will be in self-quarantine, as will a dozen members of my staff, in alignment with the recommendations of @LADeptHealth. We are monitoring our team & should it become necessary, will be offering testing to our staff members. #lagov #lalege
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) July 2, 2020In a statement, Governor Edwards said:
“Throughout this crisis, I have pledged transparency with the public, which is why I am disclosing today that a member of my team, who works in the State Capitol, tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday. So far, this person is asymptomatic and will be in self-quarantine, as will a dozen members of my staff, in alignment with the recommendations of the Louisiana Department of Health. Anyone in our circle that we believe had close contact with this person was notified on Wednesday night and advised to self-quarantine.”
“We are monitoring our team and, should it become necessary, will be offering testing to our staff members and tracing their contacts to determine who needs to self-quarantine and who could be at risk. The coronavirus has already had a devastating impact on my team, as we lost April Dunn just three months ago, and we are working hard to protect others from this illness. Our staff takes precautions, including wearing masks, to protect each other, and we are hopeful that by aggressively self-quarantining, and working remotely, we can reduce the likelihood that anyone else will be exposed. I am deeply grateful that this person did the right thing and quickly notified us so that we could take swift action.”
“As I have said over and over again, COVID-19 is alive and well in Louisiana, and all of the people of our state need to take this illness very seriously. Please wear a mask when you are in public, stay home if you feel sick or have been directly exposed to someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19, wash your hands frequently and keep at least six feet of social distance from other people when you are in public.”
“I am praying for the health and safety of all those who have tested positive for COVID-19, that they will recover quickly without great suffering. I am also praying that the people of Louisiana will take this illness seriously and redouble their efforts to slow the spread and prevent others from becoming sick.”
