Gov. Greg Abbott, The Man Against Masks, Is Now COVID-19 Positive

DALLAS —Texas Governor Gregg Abbott is now in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

According to the governor's office, Abbott was inoculated with the Pfizer formula late last year and again in early 2021. He's placed himself self-imposed lockdown at the Governor's Mansion in Austin.

According to a statement released by his spokesperson Mark Miner, Abbott is currently receiving the monoclonal antibody treatment that blunts the worst symptoms of the disease and can also shorten the length of illness. It's the same supplemental treatment now ex-President Donald Trump received when he was taken ill in Washington DC last year.

These are not treatments widely available to the public.

Want to be the first to know about Patch membership when it launches? Click here to find out how you can support Patch and local journalism.

As USA Today explains it, "Monoclonal antibodies mimic the natural process of the immune system, providing it with molecules the body normally manufactures to fight disease. They are specific to each disease, but have been shown highly effective against other conditions, including Ebola, rheumatoid arthritis and some types of cancer."

So-called "breakthrough" cases of COVID-19 are becoming increasingly common across the country as the virus has mutated sufficiently to get around current vaccines. But the incidence of fully vaccinated victims requiring hospitalization remains infinitesimally small.

The statement released by Miner says the governor has been testing "daily, and today was the first positive test result. Governor Abbott is in constant communication with his staff, agency heads, and government officials to ensure that state government continues to operate smoothly and efficiently."

Minor adds that the governor is “in good health, and currently experiencing no symptoms."

He also states that “Everyone that the governor has been in close contact with today has been notified. Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott tested negative.”

Looking for more Dallas news? Subscribe.