HARRISBURG – In the wake of increasing cases statewide, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, stating he is not symptomatic and quarantining at home after receiving his test result.
“During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have no symptoms and am feeling well. I am following CDC and Department of Health guidelines. Frances has been tested and, as we await the result, is quarantining at home with me,” Wolf said on Wednesday.
“I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely, as many are doing during the pandemic.”
The Governor added that even while taking precautions, no one immune to COVID-19, but to continue to do all possible to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no one is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee, but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease and so I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, socially distance yourself from those not in your household, and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe.”
It was later reported on Thursday that the First Lady had tested negative for the virus. She echoed the Governor’s sentiments, in a statement concerning her own negative test result.
“Tom and I are grateful for the well-wishes and support we have received. Please, on behalf of the more than 400,000 Pennsylvanians who have contracted this virus, the more than 12,000 who have died, and the healthcare and essential workers who are overwhelmed and scared, follow the direction of our doctors. Wear your masks. And, if you can, stay home,” the First Lady said.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported more than 11,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, amid a statewide surge that began approximately one month ago.
Jury proceedings in both the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas and Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas were suspended in recent weeks, due to the rapid increase in incidences of COVID-19.
The Governor’s positive test result also comes just days after his veto of HB 1737, a bill which extended immunity protections from liability connected to COVID-19 to a diverse array of health care entities and other businesses.
In explaining his veto of the legislation, Wolf indicated that the protective auspices of the law were too expansive.
“This legislation provides broad, overreaching immunity from civil liability during the current pandemic. I support, and provided, protections against liability for emergency and disaster services activities taken by health care practitioners under my May 6, 2020 executive order,” Wolf said.
“However, this bill significantly expands these protections by limiting liability to various entities, including manufacturers, distributors, labelers and users of personal protective equipment, business services and covered providers. Shielding entities from liability in such a broad fashion as provided under this bill invites the potential for carelessness and a disregard for public safety.”
From the Pennsylvania Record: Reach Courts Reporter Nicholas Malfitano at nick.malfitano@therecordinc.com