Gov. Newsom tests positive for COVID-19, 'experiencing mild symptoms'
SACRAMENTO -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, a day after a high-profile meeting in San Francisco with the visiting prime minister of New Zealand.
Newsom has mild symptoms and will remain in isolation at least through Thursday and until he tests negative, his office said in a statement. The Democratic governor plans to work remotely during that time.
His office said Newsom, 54, will begin a five-day regimen of the Paxlovid antiviral.
The governor's office said it has notified the delegation of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The two leaders met in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on Friday to announce a climate change partnership. Ardern tested positive for the virus earlier in May.
"We wish the Governor a speedy recovery. Prime Minister Ardern has taken various precautions during her trip to the U.S. such as mask-wearing and meeting outdoors wherever possible, including for her meeting with the Governor," a spokesperson for Prime Minister Ardern told KPIX.
The governor's office said it does not know how Newsom contracted the virus. He is vaccinated and received his second booster shot this month.
Other public officials have recently announced testing positive for the virus, including Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday and Vice President Kamala Harris last month.
This AM, I tested positive for COVID-19 and am currently experiencing mild symptoms. Grateful to be vaccinated & for treatments like Paxlovid.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) May 28, 2022
I’m following health guidelines and will be isolating while I work remotely.
Wishing everyone a safe & healthy Memorial Day weekend.