Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) and his wife Teresa tested positive for the coronavirus Wednesday as the state suffers the consequences from a lack of a statewide mask requirement.
Parson disclosed his diagnosis in a news conference on Wednesday afternoon. He said his wife, Teresa, had been notified as well.
In the meantime, Parson pledged to carry out all his gubernatorial duties from the governor’s mansion, promising more details on the incident Thursday.
“Needless to say, it’s been quite a day here at the mansion and here at the state Capitol,” Parson said in a video message Wednesday evening.
Parson’s office said Wednesday that he is indefinitely postponing all of his events, including his re-election campaign.
Missouri is one of the few states standing that does not have a mandatory mask order. However, Parson’s governor’s campaign has revolved around his administration’s response to the public health crisis.
The Parson’s were tested Wednesday after Teresa started to display minor symptoms. More extensive and accurate testing was then conducted on them, which had confirmed Teresa’s results. Parson’s results remain pending.
