The director of Nevada’s coronavirus response team revealed Monday he had tested positive for the virus, days after dodging a question on the matter.
“I share my story with all of you now in hopes to remind Nevadans that the mitigation measures can work. The faster we can identify and contain cases, the more we can minimize spread to our friends, family, coworkers and loved ones,” Caleb Cage told reporters Monday.
The governor’s office said on Oct. 6 that a staffer tested positive, but did not identify the person, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
A local outlet, the Nevada Independent, first reported Cage tested positive on Oct. 6. The following day, a Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter asked Cage about his status on a press call where he sounded “congested.” Cage responded he was “fine.”
He later said that he misunderstood the question, adding that the media was told he would not answer questions pertaining to the undisclosed staffer’s diagnosis.
Due to Cage’s position, Nevada Press Association Executive Director Richard Karpel said it was “almost ironic they wouldn’t want to announce” his diagnosis.
Cage added that it’s unclear where he contracted the virus.
“At this time, it’s unclear where I may have been exposed to COVID-19 and how I may have contracted the virus,” Cage said Monday. “What we know is that COVID-19 is highly infectious and transmits through the air.”
“As the state’s COVID-19 response director,” Cage continued, “I take this virus very seriously as does my family and the governor’s office, and we practice all recommended public health measures like practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings and washing our hands frequently.”
Cage works closely with Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak but has not been in direct contact with him since mid-September. Sisolak tested negative last week, and a spokeswoman said the public will be alerted immediately if he tests positive.
