Missouri Gov. Parson’s wife tests positive for COVID-19; Parson awaiting own test results

Missouri first lady Teresa Parson tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, immediately raising concerns about whether Gov. Mike Parson has been infected.

Gov. Parson is awaiting test results, spokeswoman Kelli Jones said.

The disclosure comes as the virus continues to spread through Missouri. Parson’s pandemic response has been a key issue in the race for governor, with his Democratic opponent, Auditor Nicole Galloway, criticizing his handling of the crisis.

Parson and Galloway were scheduled to hold the first debate of the race on Friday in Columbia, but the event was cancelled. Parson, a Republican, has opposed issuing a statewide mask mandate while Galloway has promised to implement one.

Nearly 117,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed in Missouri. About 1,950 people have died. A White House report dated Sunday shows Missouri in a “red zone” for COVID-19 cases, with the fifth highest rate of cases per capita in the country last week. Recommendations in the report include statewide mask use and dramatically increased testing at universities.

Parson, who turned 65 last week, underwent heart surgery to remove blockage in late 2016. Health experts say older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk of severe illness from the virus.

Teresa Parson received a rapid coronavirus test after showing “slight symptoms” on Wednesday morning that included a runny nose and cough, Jones said.

“She just wanted to make sure to do what we ask people to do and she took a rapid test this morning and that result came back positive,” Jones said.

A follow-up test has also been conducted and results are expected Wednesday afternoon, Jones said. Gov. Parson’s test results will likely be ready in the afternoon or early evening.

The governor’s office hasn’t said whether Gov. Parson will quarantine, but his official events for the rest of the week have been postponed. Jones said more information will be available on close contacts and protocols after the first lady’s follow-up test results come back.

Galloway, in a call with reporters, wished the first lady a “quick and fast, safe recovery.”

“This is a serious virus and no one is immune to it. It’s a reminder that it can reach anyone anywhere and this pandemic is not over,” Galloway said.

Parson’s campaign didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

As recently as Tuesday, the Parsons were traveling together. The couple toured the new Payne’s Valley Golf Course near Branson, and a photo posted by the governor’s official Twitter account shows the two together without masks. Other photos show both of them wearing masks while speaking to others.

The event was attended by Tiger Woods, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris and others.

The Star’s Bryan Lowry contributed reporting

This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 1:22 PM.