A member of the Gov. Phil Murphy’s family recently tested positive for COVID-19, but it does not appear the governor was impacted.
Communications Director Mahen Gunaratna said Murphy took a COVID-19 test Wednesday morning as part of his regularly scheduled testing regime — and that the test came back negative.
In addition, Gunaratna said it does not appear Murphy qualifies as an exposed close contact.
This is the second time someone close to Murphy has gotten COVID-19. In October, Murphy hurriedly left a media event in Camden after learning a staffer had tested positive.
On that occasion, Murphy self-quarantined for a number of days, but never tested positive for the virus.
Here is the complete statement from Gunaratna:
“A member of the governor’s family recently tested positive for COVID-19. Per guidance from public health officials, the contact tracing process has begun to notify everyone who may have come into contact with the governor’s family member during the potential infection window.
“After careful review, the governor does not qualify as an exposed close contact. However, out of an abundance of caution and in line with the highest levels of commitment to protecting public health, the governor will be canceling in-person events and voluntarily quarantining before resuming any in-person engagements. The governor received a coronavirus test earlier today as part of his regularly-scheduled testing regime, which came back negative.
“From the beginning, the governor has taken every precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19. Today’s exceedingly cautious steps are part of that ongoing commitment.”
