Ohio governor tests negative in second coronavirus test

Hours after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the governor announced a second test had come back negative.

“In a second COVID-19 test administered today in Columbus, Governor Mike DeWine has tested negative for COVID-19,” the governor’s Twitter account tweeted Thursday evening. “First Lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative.”

UPDATE: In a second COVID-19 test administered today in Columbus, Governor Mike DeWine has tested negative for COVID-19. First Lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative. pic.twitter.com/0Ixap90mJg

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 7, 2020

DeWine’s office said the second test was a PCR test, which “is known to be extremely sensitive, as well as specific, for the virus,” while the one administered Thursday morning was an antigen test. The PCR test came back negative on two different diagnostic platforms.

“We do not have much experience with antigen tests here in Ohio.  We will be working with the manufacturer to have a better understanding of how the discrepancy between these two tests could have occurred,” DeWine’s office said, noting that the antigen tests are “quite new.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, and at the direction of medical professionals, the Governor and First Lady plan on having another PCR test on Saturday,” DeWine’s office added. “Results of these tests will also be released.”

The PCR test is known to be extremely sensitive, as well as specific, for the virus. The PCR tests for the Governor, First Lady, and staff were run twice. They came back negative the first time and came back negative when they were run on a second diagnostic platform.

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 7, 2020

Out of an abundance of caution, and at the direction of medical professionals, the Governor and First Lady plan on having another PCR test on Saturday. Results of these tests will also be released.

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 7, 2020

DeWine’s office reported he had tested positive Thursday afternoon. The governor, who had planned to meet President Trump at the airport in Cleveland, underwent the first test as part of required protocol before meeting with the president.

“I have no symptoms at this time. I’m following protocol and will quarantine at home for the next 14 days,” DeWine tweeted. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R) tested negative Thursday afternoon.