GOP gubernatorial candidate Allen West suspends in-person campaign events after contracting COVID
AUSTIN – Republican hope for governor Allen West has contracted COVID-19 and has suspended in-person campaign events while he recovers.
West spokesman Luke Twombly confirmed late Saturday that the 60-year-old West had tested positive for the virus.
West, who tweeted hours earlier that he had not been vaccinated against coronavirus, announced that his wife Angela, who received the vaccine, tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, West said he and his wife were both given a monoclonal antibody that can reduce the severity of symptoms. His oxygen saturation is a cause for concern, he said.
“My chest x-rays show COVID pneumonia, not serious,” West tweeted. “I’m probably going to be hospitalized.”
In a previous tweet, West said he was “already on the hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin protocols”.
None of the drugs have been shown to be effective against COVID-19.
1 / After taking COVID and flu shots, Angela West tested positive for COVID yesterday, Friday. Col. West has a low temperature fever and aching limbs. Out of concern for public health, Col. West is suspending personal events until the all-clear. pic.twitter.com/Cwpc2XkWVG
– Allen West (@AllenWest) October 9, 2021
In a video message on his campaign website about “Medical Freedom”, West asked why, “When everything is on the rise,” people have to sign a liability waiver when they receive the COVID-19 vaccines.
“You should make decisions about your body, not a government, and certainly not a government agency,” he says. “Here in great Texas, I’ll never endorse mandates for vaccines or mandates for masks or anything.”
West adds, “I will not join a business that says vaccination is a condition of employment.”
1 / I want to thank you all for your prayers. Angela and I have just completed infusion therapy with monoclonal antibodies and are in the observation period. There are concerns about my oxygen saturation which is 89 and should be 95. pic.twitter.com/8YbVNVfzOe
– Allen West (@AllenWest) October 9, 2021
West, a Bronze Star recipient and combat veteran, is a former Florida Congressman who moved to Dallas in 2015 to run a conservative think tank. In July 2020, he deposed James Dickey as the state’s GOP chairman. That summer he resigned to run for governor.
Cecilia and I send all the best to Allen and Angela.
You are in our prayers. Get well.
– Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 9, 2021
For the past 20 months, West has openly criticized Governor Greg Abbott, particularly his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. West criticized the GOP’s two-year incumbent for imposing masking requirements and restrictions on companies to contain the outbreak, which has now claimed more than 66,000 lives in Texas.
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