Gov. Greg Abbott has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Tuesday.
In a statement, Abbott's office said the governor has no symptoms, but that he is currently isolating at the governor's mansion in Austin. His wife, Cecilia, did not test positive for COVID-19, the statement said.
Abbott is currently receiving antibody treatment and is in "good health," his office added. He was vaccinated against the coronavirus in December.
The governor's diagnosis comes as Texas is seeing its highest COVID-related hospitalizations at any point in the pandemic, and as hospitals have just 314 available ICU beds in a state of more than 29 million people.
Abbott's also currently locked in several legal battles over whether schools, cities and counties can require masks.
In May, the governor banned local officials from mandating masks. He doubled down on the ban last month. As schools have begun in-person classes, many districts have openly defied his executive order; Texas' four largest counties are currently suing over him over the ban.
Abbott has consistently defended his ban on mask requirements, arguing Texans should have the "personal choice" of whether to wear masks and that the Texas Constitution allows him to overrule any local order.
As of this week, there were at least seven legal challenges to Abbott's order.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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