State Public Health Commissioner On Medical Leave

State Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel is on medical leave unrelated to COVID-19, the Department of Public Health said.

Bharel, who tested positive for the virus in March, is expected to return to work next month. DPH General Counsel Margret Cooke will step in as acting commissioner until she does.

"All of us wish Commissioner Bharel a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back to the Department," said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders in the statement. "In the interim, I have every confidence in Acting Commissioner Cooke’s ability to provide the executive leadership for the Department during this time."