INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb has tested negative for COVID-19, according to a statement shared by his office Thursday morning.
The Governor was tested after learning that State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box had tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday after she spent time with her grandson and daughter, who also tested positive.
Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Chief Medical Officer for the Indiana State Department of Health, several members of the Governor’s Office, and several members of the state department of health were given both an Abbott rapid test and a nasopharyngeal PCR test out of an abundance of caution.
According to Dr. Box and Dr. Weaver, the Governor and staff members did not meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of close contact as they were socially distanced and wore masks during their interactions with Dr. Box.
“Janet and I are wishing Dr. Box and her family a speedy recovery,” Gov. Holcomb said in the announcement. “The coronavirus does not discriminate, and this further highlights the importance of wearing masks and social distancing.”
Dr. Box and Dr. Weaver have advised Gov. Holcomb that he can resume his normal schedule with vigilance about masking and social distancing.
Dr. Box will quarantine for 14 days.