Both Washington Gov. Inslee and Lt. Gov. Denny Heck have tested positive for COVID

Both Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Lt. Gov. Denny Heck announced within an hour of each other Wednesday that they have tested positive for COVID.

The Lt. Governor Office says the two have not been in proximity to one another in recent days, and their cases are unrelated.

“I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. I’m working from home and experiencing mild but unpleasant symptoms, similar to a bad head cold,” said Heck, 69, in a statement. “I’m glad to be vaccinated and double-boosted. I know my symptoms could be much worse if I wasn’t vaccinated, and I urge everyone eligible for a booster shot to go and get one.”

Inslee tested positive for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test, the Governor’s Office announced Wednesday afternoon, and is experiencing very mild symptoms including a mild cough, according a news release.

Inslee is fully vaccinated, including two booster shots, the first in October 2021 and the second in March 2022, according to his office.

“I am experiencing very mild symptoms and am most glad I’m vaccinated and boosted,” Inslee, 71, said.

Both Inslee and Heck are working from home.

Heck said he has begun a regimen of Paxlovid, one of the antiviral pills approved by the FDA for fighting COVID-19. Inslee said he is consulting with his doctor about its use.

Heck also tested positive in February but experienced no symptoms.

“Aside from having a slight cough, the governor is feeling well and in typical good spirits,” said Jaime Smith, Inslee’s communications director.

“As we’re seeing, the current COVID variants are extremely contagious and vaccinations remain the most important tool to protecting ourselves against serious illness, hospitalization and death. We hope every eligible Washingtonian takes advantage of these life-saving tools,” Smith added.

This story was originally published May 25, 2022 at 2:51 PM with the headline "Both Washington Gov. Inslee and Lt. Gov. Denny Heck have tested positive for COVID."