Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly cleared to return after doctors say COVID-19 test was inaccurate

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly’s office says she doesn’t have COVID-19 after all.

The office issued a statement Thursday saying her physician and state health officials believe an initial test earlier this week produced a “false positive” result. Her subsequent tests have been negative, the statement said.

The governor appeared at a series of events leading up to and including her inauguration Monday. Shortly after a news conference Tuesday morning, where she held her grandbaby, the governor announced she had tested positive for COVID-19. At the time, she was experiencing cold-like symptoms.

Her office said she would resume in-person work on Friday. The State of the State speech was rescheduled for Jan. 24.

“After receiving a positive result on a COVID test, Governor Kelly followed all protocols by self-isolating at home while continuing to work,” said Joan Duwve, state health officer at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “With the increased time indoors this winter, anytime Kansans are not feeling well they should follow the infection prevention protocols, get tested for respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 or influenza, and stay home until they are no longer experiencing symptoms.”