Second Test Determines Gov. DeWine Does Not Have COVID-19

Late Thursday evening, Aug. 6, it was reported that Gov. Mike DeWine does not have COVID-19 after he was given a second, more sensitive test at The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center.

Earlier in the day, the governor had tested positive as part of the testing protocol required to greet President Donald Trump, who was in Ohio to tour Whirlpool Corp.’s plant in Clyde. The earlier test was an antigen test — new technology that delivers quick results, but is viewed as less accurate.

The governor said he has confidence in the results of the second test — called a PCR test — which looks for the genetic material specific to the virus that causes COVID-19. The governor and first lady will take additional PCR tests on Saturday, Aug. 8, and the results will be made public.

The governor said he would work with the manufacturer of the antigen test “to have a better understanding of how the discrepancy between these two tests could have occurred.” 8/6/2020