COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina's lieutenant governor has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Officials say Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette had a sore throat and headache Thursday and was tested for the virus, receiving the positive result a day later.
She has stayed at her family’s home near Greenville since noting the symptoms and is feeling better now. Officials say two of Evette's staff members and some of her security detail are also isolating as a precaution but have not tested positive. Health officials are tracing Evette's contacts for the past several days as well.
"Like so many others across the world, I have contracted the COVID-19 virus," Evette said on Twitter. "I began feeling unwell on Thursday morning and immediately began to self-quarantine. I was tested on Friday and got the positive result back on Saturday."
"I’m fortunate to have had only mild symptoms and I’m already feeling much better. David has taken GREAT care of me! As careful as I’ve been, this really does show how easily the virus is spread. Please continue to be diligent in keeping yourselves and your loved ones safe. "
"If you’re showing any symptoms at all, the best thing to do is to get tested right away! There are testing sites readily available all across the state. Learn more here: https://scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/what-do-if-you-feel-sick-covid-19"
Evette’s positive test prompted McMaster and his wife to get COVID-19 tests, which both came back negative on Sunday.
"Peggy and I are grateful that Lt. Governor Evette is feeling better," McMaster said on Twitter. "This should serve as a stark reminder to all of us that this virus can impact any of us, and we must continue to remain vigilant."
Evette has served as lieutenant governor since January of 2019. Prior to her election as the first female republican lieutenant governor of South Carolina, Evette founded Quality Business Solutions, Inc. (QBS), a payroll, human resources, and benefits services firm headquartered in Travelers Rest.