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Emerging from COVID-19 isolation, Gov. Northam back on the job

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Posted at 1:34 PM, Oct 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-13 17:16:27-04

RICHMOND, Va. - Following a period of isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test, Gov. Northam was back on the job Tuesday afternoon to discuss several topics, including the Commonwealth's ongoing fight against the virus.

"We have been cleared by health officials to leave isolation and go back to work," he said.

Northam and the First Lady had been in isolation following a COVID-19 diagnosis about two weeks ago. They experienced mild cold like symptoms, but 65 of their contacts had to quarantine. None of them wound up testing positive. Northam attributes that to the fact he wears masks around them.

"Masks are scientifically proven to reduce the spread of this disease plain and simple, so please wear them," he said.

Northam's press conference comes after members of a militia were said to have discussed kidnapping him. Northam wouldn't discuss the criminal investigation, but blasted the rhetoric of President Trump. The president often criticizes Northam on Twitter or at his rallies.

"These threats and this rhetoric is not coming from another country. They're coming from Washington," he said. "That I regret and it needs to stop."

In addition, the state's election website experienced issues on the final day people can register to vote. There are calls for the date to be pushed back amid the website difficulties. Northam said he doesn't believe he has that power, but is calling on the courts to weigh-in. "I would support a court order of extension," he said.