Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker Tests Positive For COVID-19

CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker tested positive for the COVID-19 virus during his routine testing regimen, his office announced Tuesday. The governor had earlier learned that several close contacts had also tested positive.

Pritzker, who is fully vaccinated and has received two booster shots, is experiencing mild coronavirus symptoms and has been prescribed the antiviral medication Paxlovid, according to a statement from a spokesperson.

The governor's representatives said he plans to follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and work from home.

"[Pritzker] urges all Illinoisans to continue following CDC guidance, utilize anti-viral treatments, and get all available boosters," his spokesperson said. "He looks forward to returning to in person work as soon as possible."

Pritzker was first vaccinated with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine in March 2021 in Springfield. He received a Pfizer booster shot in November 2021 in Chicago.

Over the weekend, Pritzker delivered the keynote address at a gala hosted by the Democratic Party of Florida, where he owns an $12 million equestrian estate.

The speech came less than a month after the governor appeared as the keynote speaker at the Democratic Party convention in New Hampshire, adding to speculation about the the billionaire Democrat's presidential ambitions.