Coronavirus Illinois: Attorney General Kwame Raoul tests positive for COVID-19

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

The state's top law enforcement officer said he is now self-isolating at home as members of his staff are also now being urged to get tested.

Raoul had been working out of his offices at the Thompson Center, but had only been interacting with a handful of staff members. They are now being urged to contact their health care providers and take steps to get tested if needed.

Raoul's last two public events were on June 6, where he participated with the governor and others in the South Suburban Day of Action in Calumet City, and on June 13 during a PPE giveaway. He wore a mask at both events.

But, after experiencing minor symptoms over the weekend the Attorney General said was tested Monday and learned Tuesday that he has COVID-19.

"I have been self-isolating since the onset of my symptoms, and I will continue to do so in accordance with guidance from my doctor and public health authorities," Raoul said. "My symptoms continue to be mild, and I am in regular contact with my staff in order to continue to manage the operations of my office."

Staff members who had recent contact with Raoul have been told to self-quarantine for 14 days per public health guidelines.

Governor JB Pritzker, whose last public event was Monday downstate, is being tested Tuesday after learning of the attorney general contracting the virus.

Those who were at the events with Raoul are being notified that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The Attorney General occupies offices on the 11th, 12th and 13th floors of the Thompson Center. It is expected those offices will undergo a deep cleaning per health department guidance, just as the governor's offices did after one of his staff members tested positive last month.