State’s first gentleman remains hospitalized with COVID- 19
Colorado first gentleman Marlon Reis remained hospitalized with COVID- 19 on Monday, the governor’s office said in a statement.
“The First Gentleman has normal oxygen saturation, is in good spirits, and looks forward to returning home soon. He has received dexamethasone for inflammation and remdesivir and he has not required oxygen,” the statement said in part.
The combination of the steroid dexamethasone and the antiviral drug remdesivir is now common for COVID- 19 patients, though the World Health Organization now believes remdesivir is not an effective treatment for the virus. That Reis is not receiving supplemental oxygen is a promising sign, medical professionals told The Denver Post.
Reis is among the 1,643 Coloradans who were hospitalized with confirmed COVID- 19 in the state as of Monday afternoon.
The state reported Monday that 194 people had been admitted to a hospital with COVID- 19 in the last 24 hours, and 184 people were discharged. Colorado, like the country in general, is in the throes of a recordbreaking third wave of coronavirus infections, hospitalizations and deaths.
Gov. Jared Polis announced Nov. 28 that he and Reis, his longtime partner, had both tested positive for COVID- 19. Polis told reporters last week that he and Reis, 39, were doing well. Then Reis announced Sunday evening that he had been hospitalized.
“Friends,” he wrote on Facebook, “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 is contagious with Coronavirus) and keep a distance from others.
“I hope to be home soon!” The governor remains in isolation at home. He hosted several public, virtual events on Monday.
His office said in Monday’s statement, “Governor Polis is not experiencing any symptoms at this time and will return to public as soon as doctors clear him to be around others. We will continue to provide updates as new information is available.”
Polis signed a separate Facebook post on Reis’ page Sunday evening, which read: “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.”