AUGUSTA — After being exposed to a member of her protective security detail that tested positive for COVID-19, Governor Janet Mills announced Saturday afternoon she received negative PCR test results after taking a test Thursday, Dec. 3.

The Governor began quarantining December 1 following an exposure to COVID-19 from one of the security detail members November 28.

The official, who became symptomatic following that date and was considered a probable case when Governor Mills began quarantining, tested positive for the virus Tuesday.

Members of the security detail are required to be with the Governor at all times and are required to follow strict public health and safety protocols that include wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and maintaining strict hygiene, a press release noted. 

Governor Mills will quarantine at least through Tuesday, December 8, which is 10 days from her exposure, consistent with the recent change to quarantine guidelines by the U.S. CDC and out of an abundance of caution.

While in quarantine, Governor Mills continues to discharge her duties and remain in regular contact with her Cabinet and staff virtually and by phone. During the pandemic she has declined nearly all in person meetings and has held conferences by Zoom nearly every day.

Statement from Governor Janet Mills

Today, I received my negative COVID-19 test results. I was tested on Thursday following an exposure to the virus from a member of my Executive Protection Unit who tested positive.

If my Executive Protection Unit member had not been wearing a mask last Saturday while I was in the vehicle with them, I firmly believe I would have contracted the virus.

We know that wearing face coverings, watching our distance, and washing our hands protect us from the spread of this virus. No matter where you are or who you are with, taking these simple steps protects you and anyone you come into contact with. Even someone who has limited contact with the public, like myself, can inadvertently be exposed to this dangerous virus, through nobody’s fault.

We have entered the darkest days of this pandemic, but hope is on the horizon. Please hang on, follow the advice of Dr. Fauci and Dr. Shah — avoid crowds, stay home whenever possible, keep your distance and wear a mask.