Pritzker In Quarantine As Staffer Tests Positive For Coronavirus

CHICAGO, IL — Gov. J.B. Pritzker is quarantining at home after a member of his senior staff tested positive for the coronavirus, his office said Monday. All staff members at the governor's office will now work from home for the "appropriate isolation period," although officials did not say how long that will be.

The staff member, who is asymptomatic, tested positive for the coronavirus late last week and "was in close contact with the governor and other staff members," Pritzker's office said.

Pritzker and all staff who were reporting to the governor's office tested negative for the coronavirus. Pritzker was tested again on Sunday and tested negative. Around 20 staff members have been regularly reporting to the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago during the coronavirus crisis.

Staffers have been following safety protocols, including daily temperature checks, face coverings and social distancing, officials said.

The governor's office will undergo a deep cleaning, and staff are monitoring themselves for symptoms, Pritzker's office said, adding, "The Governor and staff will return to the office when IDPH deems appropriate."

Pritzker will continue to hold his daily coronavirus news conferences via video, which are live-streamed at illinois.gov/LiveVideo as well as on Facebook and Twitter.