Gov. Spencer Cox announced Thursday he has tested positive for COVID-19.
The governor said he feels “fine” and plans to isolate for five days and wear a mask for 10 days.
“Like so many Utahns, I’ve been vaccinated and boosted, but COVID eventually touches us all. If you feel sick, please stay away from others. And if you haven’t yet, please get vaccinated,” Cox said in a statement.
He began feeling a “scratchy throat” late Wednesday and got tested Thursday morning, his office said in a statement. Cox is notifying people he was in close contact with, as he had public appearances on Tuesday and Wednesday. But his office said “very few people” at those events would be considered exposed to the virus, as they would’ve needed to be within 6 feet of him for 15 minutes or longer.
Cox’s family members are up to date on their vaccinations, the statement said, and don’t need to quarantine but plan to wear masks as well for the next 10 days. None have tested positive for COVID-19.
Utah Department of Health officials said the governor testing positive “is a good reminder that the disease is still circulating in our communities.”
“Most people who are infected with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, especially if they are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective and provide protection against serious disease,” state health officials said.
While 70% of residents have received at least one vaccine dose, health officials contend that too many people still need to get the second dose and just 28% of Utah residents have received a booster shot, “meaning they do not have the best protection from COVID-19.”
