Great Lakes Wire

Last night, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19.

The governor is reportedly experiencing mild symptoms and says she is “fully vaccinated and twice boosted,” according to a news release provided by the Michigan government.

“After speaking with a state doctor, I will follow the proper guidance and protocols, while maintaining a remote schedule to continue getting things done for the people of Michigan,” Whitmer said in the release. “I last tested for COVID this afternoon, when I tested negative. Following standard protocol, all of my close contacts from today will be informed.”

Whitmer’s diagnosis comes as the state has seen a rise in COVID cases.

At the beginning of the month, the state reported that the BA.5 variant of the virus was causing COVID cases to cases, along with other Midwest states. The data revealed that 14% of state counties or 48% of the population were at high risk of COVID-19 at the community level.

Moreover, 34% of state counties or 15% of the population were at a medium level and 52% or 37% of the population were at a low level.

“I am grateful for the support of my family, my staff, and the vaccine for offering me robust protection against the virus. I look forward to getting back to work in person, meeting with constituents, and keeping Michigan on the move,” said Whitmer.

She added that she encourages people in the state to get vaccinated and boosted.

Last week, roughly 2,882 daily cases were reported in the state, according to the New York Times. While this data resulted in a 23% rise over the course of two weeks, deaths are down by 29%.

The news outlet went on to state that since the pandemic began, roughly one in four citizens have been inflicted with the virus, which accounts for over 2.6 million reported cases and 37,534 deaths.