World News – U.S. Governor of South Carolina tests positive for coronavirus

COLUMBIA, S. . C.. . (AP) – South Carolina Gov. . Henry McMaster tested positive for the coronavirus and should be treated with antibodies against « mild symptoms » on an outpatient basis, his office said on Tuesday.

McMaster, 73, learned that he had tested positive late Monday after a test « because he came into close contact with the COVID-19 virus, » his office said in a press release. McMaster’s wife, 73-year-old Peggy McMaster, tested positive last week but remains asymptomatic.

On Tuesday, on the advice of his personal doctor, the governor should receive monoclonal antibody treatment, which his office described as a « preventative measure for those with mild to moderate symptoms. ». His office said McMaster was « in a good mood » and continuing to perform his official duties, and said the governor had « mild symptoms of coughing and mild fatigue. ”

The governor was tested at the same time as his wife last week, but had a negative result at that time, his office said.

Both McMasters attended a Christmas event at the White House early last week and conducted a « routine precautionary test » on Thursday. Quoting state health officials, McMaster’s office said Tuesday, « There’s no way to pinpoint when or how Gov. . McMaster or the First Lady got infected with the virus. ”

Since then, Peggy has wanted to isolate McMaster for 10 days while the governor’s office said he would be quarantined for a week while he regularly tests and continues his official duties. Given his test positive, officials said the governor will isolate Tuesday for the next 10 days and watch for additional symptoms. ”

The governor’s illness occurs the same day the South Carolina Health Department selected a retired military doctor to head the state’s health and environmental department. After months with no permanent director at the helm of the agency overseeing the coronavirus response in South Carolina, the Board of Directors of the Department of Health and Environmental Control unanimously voted for Dr.. . Edward Simmer, who previously oversaw civilian medical and dental care for the Defense Health Agency in Virginia and served in the Navy for three decades. The state-certified psychiatrist also has a master’s degree in public health.

A number of South Carolina officials, including Lt. . Gov. . Pam Evette and U. . S.. . Representative. Joe Cunningham and Tom Rice have previously retired and recovered from COVID-19, as has Nancy Mace, the Republican who knocked Cunningham off in November’s election.

Last week. U. . S.. . Rep. Joe Wilson also announced that he had tested positive for the coronavirus the same day he gave a speech in the House of Representatives.

Henry McMaster, Coronavirus, Governor of South Carolina, Peggy McMaster