Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine tests coronavirus positive ahead of Trump visit

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine tested positive Thursday for coronavirus just ahead a planned meeting with President Donald Trump.

Republican goverr’s office said Thursday that he took test as part of standard protocol before meeting Trump at an airport in Cleveland. He had planned to join president on a visit to Whirlpool Corp. plant in rthwest Ohio.

His office said 73-year-old DeWine had symptoms, but was returning to Columbus. His office said he and his wife, Fran DeWine, will both be tested re. DeWine n plans to quarantine at his home in Cedarville for 14 days.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (HYOOS’-ted) tested negative. DeWine, in his first term as goverr, is one of Ohio’s most familiar politicians, previously serving as a U.S. congressman, two-term U.S. senator, Ohio attorney general and lieutenant goverr.

DeWine becomes second U.S. goverr to test positive for coronavirus after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt anunced he contracted virus last month. In recent weeks, DeWine has pleaded with Ohioans to take personal responsibility over virus’ spread across state. He avoided a statewide mask mandate until July 23 when number of daily cases in state began to push over 1,000.

DeWine’s first try at a statewide requirement for wearing masks inside businesses — back in April — drew backlash that led him to rescind that directive following day, a stutter among aggressive moves that had won him early praise in his efforts to curb virus.

Mask-wearing also has been a point of contention at Statehouse, where many Democratic lawmakers have donned masks while many Republican lawmakers have t. DeWine has often found himself at odds with members of his own party on policy.

DeWine’s key health adviser during pandemic, Dr. Amy Action, left government this week. In early months, she joined DeWine at daily briefings and was a popular figure. However, backlash against state restrictions helped lead to a protest at her home and her decision to step away from public spotlight.

DeWine gave a public update Tuesday on coronavirus in Ohio, but had postponed a regular one Thursday because of president’s visit.

In at least two briefings, DeWine has shared with public how virus has taken lives of several friends, urging m to think about ir loved ones, especially grandparents, when leaving house and t following social-distancing protocols. first-term goverr has 23 grandchildren.