KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the second governor in the United States to contract the disease as he campaigns for a full term in a race that has often centered on his response to the pandemic.
Parson, who turned 65 last week and had heart surgery four years ago, may be at heightened risk of falling severely ill, according to health guidance that says older adults and those with underlying conditions are more prone to intense symptoms.
The governor's office announced his test result Wednesday afternoon, hours after revealing that first lady Teresa Parson had tested positive. The governor's office said the first lady was tested after developing mild symptoms, including a runny nose and cough.
Parson has canceled his official appearances for the rest of the week. The Republican was set to debate his Democratic opponent, Auditor Nicole Galloway, in Columbia on Friday, but the event was called off.
Nearly 117,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed in Missouri. About 1,950 people have died. A White House report dated Sunday shows Missouri in a "red zone" for COVID-19 cases, with the fifth highest rate of cases per capita in the country last week. Recommendations in the report include statewide mask use and dramatically increased testing at universities.
Parson has resisted issuing a mask order in sharp contrast to Galloway, who has promised to implement one if elected. During a call with reporters before the governor's test results were announced, Galloway wished the first lady a speedy recovery.
"This is a serious virus and no one is immune to it. It's a reminder that it can reach anyone anywhere and this pandemic is not over," Galloway said.
The Democrat added that her Republican opponent should have done more and should be doing more to protect residents.
Parson's campaign didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
Parson is the second governor known to have tested positive for COVID-19, after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who contracted the virus in July. At the time, Stitt said he was self-quarantining.
Kelli Jones, a spokeswoman for the governor's office, said Teresa Parson received a rapid coronavirus test after showing "slight symptoms" on Wednesday morning that included a runny nose and cough. A follow-up test was also performed.
"She just wanted to make sure to do what we ask people to do and she took a rapid test this morning and that result came back positive," Jones said.
As recently as Tuesday, the Parsons were traveling together. The couple toured the new Payne's Valley Golf Course near Branson, and a photo posted by the governor's official Twitter account shows the two together without masks. Other photos show both of them wearing masks while speaking to others.
The event was attended by Tiger Woods, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris and others.
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