MA Public Health Commissioner Tests Positive For Coronavirus

MASSACHUSETTS — Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel announced Friday night she tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Bharel was tested Thursday night and received the results Friday. She said she has mild symptoms and will continue her job from home.

"As the public health commissioner and an essential state employee, I have been vigilant about practicing social distancing from my colleagues and members of the public," Bharel said in a short statement. "I hope everyone will continue to take seriously the threat of COVID-19."

Bharel had been accompanying Gov. Charlie Baker and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders at daily briefings.

Also on Friday, officials announced 10 more people died of coronavirus in Massachusetts and another 823 contracted the virus. A total of 35 people have died and 3,240 have been infected as of Friday.

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