DENVER, Colo. — Gov. Jared Polis' office said Sunday night First Gentleman Marlon Reis is now in the hospital due to worsening COVID-19 symptoms.
Both Reis and Gov. Jared Polis tested positive for COVID-19 last Saturday. At the time, Polis said both of their symptoms were mild.
Over the last 24 hours, Reis started to experience a slightly worsening cough and shortness of breath eight days after being diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the press release.
As a precaution, Gov. Polis drove Reis to the hospital in his personal vehicle to be reviewed and treated. Polis is not experiencing any additional symptoms at this time.
Reis said in a message posted on his Facebook page Sunday the trip to the hospital was precautionary:
“Friends,
Today, on day eight of my bout with Coronavirus, I experienced a worsening cough and shortness of breath. My doctor suggested that as a precaution I go to the hospital, so a few hours ago Jared drove me to the hospital where I was admitted and am now being closely monitored.
“In addition to your kind thoughts and prayers for me and everyone else afflicted by this horrible virus, please be extra careful to avoid getting it. Wearing a mask properly reduces your risk by half! Also, make sure to avoid social gatherings (right now one in forty Coloradans are contagious with Coronavirus) and keep a distance from others.
“I hope to be home soon!”
Polis also posted a message to Reis’s Facebook page:
“Marlon wanted me to convey how much he appreciates the hundreds of people who have reached out to wish him well on email, Facebook, and text. Reading the kind words and thoughts brings great joy to him as he recuperates. He also wanted me to share that he hopes to be well enough to reply in a few days but for now he wants me to thank everyone and let everyone know that he feels the love. -Jared”
On Monday, the governor’s office said Reis received dexamethasone for inflammation and remdesivir and that he had not required oxygen, and that he was looking forward “to returning home soon.”
The governor’s office said Polis was not experiencing symptoms and would return to public appearances as soon as he is cleared by doctors.
“The First Gentleman and Governor appreciate all of the kind words and support they have received during this time and continue to urge all Coloradans to do their part to slow the spread of this virus. That means wearing a mask in public, staying six feet from others, avoiding large gatherings, and washing your hands regularly,” the governor’s office said in a release.
