COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine have tested positive for COVID-19.
UPDATE 4/19/22 1:05 p.m.: This article has been edited to include the positive diagnosis of First Lady Fran DeWine and mask rule changes at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and COTA.
The 75-year-old Republican said in an announcement Friday that he was diagnosed by his personal physician after experiencing mild symptoms such as a runny nose, head ache, body aches and a sore throat.
His office announced Sunday that Fran DeWine had also contracted the disease.
Both were administered a monoclonal antibody treatment, which is designed to fight the infection.
DeWine’s office said the couple are following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol and quarantining.
Both DeWines have received a two-dose vaccine series and a booster.
The news comes as health officials express concern about new surge in COVID cases due to the “stealth omicron” variant of the coronavirus. Ohio has experienced a 55% increase in new cases in the past three weeks.
A federal judge in Florida, meanwhile, struck down a national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit Monday, freeing airlines, airports and mass transit systems to make their own decisions about mask requirements.
COTA officials announced late Tuesday morning that mask requirements would be lifted immediately.
The Transportation Security Administration said Monday night that it would it will no longer enforce the mask requirement.
“Masks are now optional in and on airport property for both passengers and employees,” John Glenn Columbus International Airport officials announced Tuesday.