Governor Mills Announces Negative COVID-19 Test

In Line with New CDC Recommendations, Governor to Complete Quarantine on Tuesday

“Masks work!,” Governor Janet Mills stated today, as she received the results of her negative COVID-19 test on Saturday. “And I’m proof,” she added. Governor Mills was tested on Thursday, December 3, 2020, after an exposure to a member of her Executive Protection Unit who later tested positive for the virus. Governor Mills received her negative PCR test results today.

“If my Executive Protection Unit member had not been wearing a mask last Saturday while I was in the vehicle with them, I firmly believe I would have contracted the virus,” said Governor Mills. “We know that wearing face coverings, watching our distance, and washing our hands protect us from the spread of this virus. No matter where you are or who you are with, taking these simple steps protects you and anyone you come into contact with. Even someone who has limited contact with the public, like myself, can inadvertently be exposed to this dangerous virus, through nobody’s fault.”

“We have entered the darkest days of this pandemic, but hope is on the horizon,”added Governor Mills. “Please hang on, follow the advice of Dr. Fauci and Dr. Shah -- avoid crowds, stay home whenever possible, keep your distance and wear a mask.”

The Governor began quarantining on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 following an exposure to COVID-19 from one of the EPU members on Saturday, November 28, 2020. The EPU member, who became symptomatic following that date and was considered a probable case when Governor Mills began quarantining, tested positive for the virus on Tuesday. Members of the EPU are required to be with the Governor at all times and are required to follow strict public health and safety protocols that include wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and maintaining strict hygiene.

Governor Mills will quarantine at least through Tuesday, December 8, 2020 – 10 days from her exposure — consistent with the recent change to quarantine guidelines by the U.S. CDC and out of an abundance of caution. While in quarantine, Governor Mills continues to discharge her duties and remain in regular contact with her Cabinet and staff virtually and by phone. During the pandemic she has declined nearly all in person meetings and has held conferences by Zoom nearly every day.