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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine tests positive for coronavirus

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's announced on Thursday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

CLEVELAND — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to a statement released by his office.

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DeWine was tested for the coronavirus as a part of the procedure to greet President Donald J. Trump upon his arrival in Cleveland for a fundraiser on Thursday. The governor is not presently showing any symptoms.

According to the release, the 73-year-old DeWine will return to Columbus, where he and his wife, Fran DeWine (who is also not currently showing any symptoms) will be tested again. Governor DeWine plans to quarantine at his home in Cedarville, Ohio, for the next 14 days.

Lt. Governor Jon Husted was also tested for the coronavirus as a part of the protocol for President Trump's visit on Thursday and tested negative.

DeWine's positive test comes after months in which the Ohio Governor has led the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic. In March, DeWine enacted a series of measures in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, including the temporary closing of all "non-essential" businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, gyms and hair salons among others, in addition to closing K-12 schools through the end of the academic calendar.

After initially flattening the curve, Ohio saw its coronavirus trends rise in June and July. As a result, DeWine enacted a statewide mandate requiring anyone in public to wear masks or face coverings and asked the Ohio Liquor Commission to enact a rule ending the sale of alcohol at bars and restaurants at 10 p.m. each night.

At his press briefing this past Tuesday, DeWine issued an order requiring any K-12 student to wear a mask or face covering while at school. His next press briefing had been scheduled for Friday afternoon.

    

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