Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer tests negative for COVID-19

Earlier this week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s announced that her husband, Marc Mallory, had tested positive for COVID-19. Following the news, Mallory was isolating, and Whitmer was in the process of getting a PCR test to determine is she had also contracted the virus.

On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the governor’s office announced that Whitmer’s COVID-19 lab test has come back negative. The governor has already tested negative with a rapid test Tuesday (Jan. 4) but was waiting for the results of the PCR test, which usually takes 24-72 hours.

Whitmer announced the news via a social media video, in which she said the First Gentleman has “cold-like symptoms,” but is otherwise doing well. They are both fully vaccinated and received a booster shot. Whitmer will continue to isolate from Mallory in the governor’s residence until he tests negative.

Whitmer added in the video that residents should get the vaccine and boosters, stating that boosters are highly effective against the contagious omicron variant and keeping residents out of the hospitals.

During this phase of the pandemic, and due to the highly contagious omicron variant, testing is more important than ever. If you’re having a difficult time finding a COVID testing site in your area, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has posted an interactive map that may be of service.

The map allows residents to search for different medical care in the area, including COVID-19 testing, both rapid and PCR. To use the map, users need to enter what medical care they’re looking for and where they would like to get their appointment. View the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services map here.

For more information, Michiganders may call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136. According to the MDHHS, anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested regardless, even if they are fully vaccinated and/or boosted.