LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is self-isolating from the public after he was exposed to someone over the weekend who tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday.
Ricketts said he was near the person for longer than 15 minutes on Saturday. He had been scheduled Monday to participate in the Governor's Annual Wellness Walk around the Capitol to promote fitness, but spoke to reporters instead through a video-conferencing link.
Ricketts said the person he was in contact with developed coronavirus symptoms later and then tested positive on Monday. He said his contact with the person, who he didn't identify, was work-related and not a social gathering.
In a statement, the governor's office said Ricketts is not showing any symptoms but will remain in quarantine for seven days and get tested "at the appropriate time." The statement said Ricketts plans to host a Friday coronavirus press briefing virtually.
The Republican governor was also forced to go into quarantine in November after he and Nebraska first lady Susanne Shore were exposed to an infected person during a weekend dinner gathering.
Ricketts generally wears a facemask in public gatherings when he isn't speaking and has urged residents to wear one, although he has consistently opposed mask mandates.