Pritzker staff member tests positive for COVID-19

Posted on May 11, 2020
Gov. JB Pritzker at the coronavirus press briefing. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

CHICAGO – A member of Gov. JB Pritzker’s senior staff has tested positive for COVID-19 and as of Sunday, the governor does not have the virus.

The asymptomatic staff member tested positive late last week and was in close contact with the governor and other staff members, according to a news release Monday. The governor and all other staff reporting to the office tested negative. Pritzker was tested again early on Sunday and tested negative.  Office employees will follow Illinois Department of Public Health guidance and work from home for an appropriate isolation period, according to the release.

Approximately 20 staff members have been regularly reporting in person to work in the James R. Thompson Center during this crisis while the remainder of staff work from home. Staff members have followed all IDPH safety protocols including daily temperature checks, wearing face coverings, social distancing and strict hygiene procedures. The office will undergo deep cleaning, and staff are monitoring themselves for symptoms. The governor and staff will return to the office when IDPH deems appropriate.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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