Abbott 'tests negative' about a week after contracting COVID-19

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said that he is now testing negative for the coronavirus about a week after he tested positive. 

"I am now testing negative for COVID. I am told that my infection was brief and mild because of the vaccination I received," Abbott said in a Twitter post. "I will continue to quarantine as recommended by doctors. And, I will keep working on issues affecting Texas. God bless you all. And God bless Texas." 

Abbott said he encourages others to consider getting the vaccine in a video he posted on Twitter. 

Abbott tested positive on Aug. 17 but was asymptomatic, according to Yahoo News. He said he will continue to quarantine per his doctors' advice, according to Yahoo News. 

The governor's positive test came just as Texas and the rest of the nation are experiencing a resurgence in cases, according to Fox News. 

Abbott said in a Twitter post earlier in the day that he remains hopeful about the coronavirus pandemic coming to an end. 

"The COVID seven-day positivity rate has now declined for two straight weeks," Abbott said in a Twitter post. "It topped out on Aug. 9 at 18.72%. Since then it has steadily declined to 15.76%. States hit earliest with Delta are now seeing a decline in COVID cases. Texas may soon see a similar decline in cases," Abbott said. 

He was vaccinated in December and tested positive for the virus a day after appearing indoors speaking to a crowd of GOP supporters near Dallas without a mask, according to Yahoo News.