The state of Texas is inundated with cases of the virus that's killed over 600 thousand Americans, but its Republican governor—Greg Abbott—has proved determined to push back against even the most basic safety measures.
Abbott banned mask mandates in the state—including in schools where children under 12 are ineligible to get the vaccine—despite the proven effectiveness of masks at slowing the spread of the virus. He's also fought against private businesses requiring vaccines for their employees and customers, even threatening to revoke the liquor licenses of restaurants and bars that do so.
On Tuesday, Abbott's office issued a statement announcing that Abbott, who is fully vaccinated, tested positive for the virus.
The governor has COVID.pic.twitter.com/Yi1FnscIGB— Keri Blakinger (@Keri Blakinger) 1629233721
According to the statement, the governor is experiencing no symptoms but is still undergoing monoclonal antibody treatment as he isolates in the Governor's Mansion.
The statement also claims that everyone who's come into close contact with the governor has been notified, but a video posted just a day before Abbott's positive diagnosis was revealed is sparking concerns.
Watch below.
.@GregAbbott_TX is at the Republican Club at Heritage Ranch meeting tonight!pic.twitter.com/oIuabG72lU— Texans for Abbott (@Texans for Abbott) 1629159049
According to Abbott's campaign, the governor was president at the Republican Club at Heritage Ranch, where video shows him gathered with hundreds of unmasked and elderly supporters.
Further video of the event shows him singing with the crowd, upping his chances of spreading the virus to others.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has tested positive for COVID-19.\n\nYesterday, Abbott was singing maskless with a maskless Republican crowd at Heritage Ranch. #CovidChoruspic.twitter.com/jEYyYrSPkf— Resist Programming \ud83d\udef0 (@Resist Programming \ud83d\udef0) 1629242388
Abbott's recklessness has heightened concerns that the event at Heritage Ranch could end up a super spreader.
!URGENT! Every one at this event last night\n\n@GovAbbott has tested positive for #COVID19.\n\n1. Did you talk to him?\n\n2. Did you shake his hand?\n\n3. Did you hug him?\n\n4. Did you put your arm around him and take a photograph like some seen in this photo?\n\n5. DO YOU NOW HAVE COVID?https://twitter.com/AbbottCampaign/status/1427422628248227841\u00a0\u2026— Don Winslow (@Don Winslow) 1629234781
If you're in this video, you need to get tested for #COVID19 because @GregAbbott_TX has tested positive. #superspreaderhttps://twitter.com/AbbottCampaign/status/1427422628248227841\u00a0\u2026— Dawn Ennis (She/Her/Hers) (@Dawn Ennis (She/Her/Hers)) 1629234878
imagine having this much disrespect for all the healthcare workers that havent had a day off in a year— lauralouisiana (@lauralouisiana) 1629166810
superspreader event!— Anita (@Anita) 1629235621
i s e e s u p e r s p r e a d e r s— Sam Riegel (@Sam Riegel) 1629236434
As ICU beds vanish across the state, people are pointing out that Abbott is receiving care that other infected Texans can only dream of.
All Texans deserve the health care Gov. Abbott is receiving— Jessica Cisneros (@Jessica Cisneros) 1629237429
The saddest part of Gov. Abbott getting COVID is that he'll get the very best care, with treatments that are not available to all Texans, and when he recovers, his supporters will see it as proof that nothing needs to change in that mismanaged state.— Walter Shaub (@Walter Shaub) 1629290628
So Greg Abbott is going to get the best care for a virus he didn\u2019t care about?— Avenger Resister (@Avenger Resister) 1629238690
Abbott decrying cheap preventive measures but getting an expensive Regeneron treatment after getting COVID is really some commentary on the state of the US health care system huh.— A Jay Holmgren (@A Jay Holmgren) 1629246417
Though Abbott still experienced a rare breakthrough infection, his chances of survival and complete recovery are greatly heightened due to his vaccination status.
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