Looking healthy in new video, Abbott says he’s focused on leading state while in COVID-19 quarantine

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, sounding upbeat and appearing healthy in his second video update since testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, said Thursday that although still in quarantine he remains engaged in his duties as the state’s chief executive.

“I want to thank everybody for the many well-wishes and prayers that you all have sent from across our state and from across the country,” Abbott said in the 36-second video, which like one released Tuesday was shot on the balcony of the governor’s mansion.

“As I remain in quarantine I also remain focused on doing the business for the state of Texas,” he said. “I remain in contact with leaders in the Capitol as well as heads of agencies across the state addressing the issues that are most important in our state.”

The governor said first lady Cecilia Abbott has continued to test negative for COVID-19. He provided no specifics on his own health.

On Wednesday, Abbott took to Twitter to criticize President Joe Biden and Democrats on multiple issues. His tweets Thursday were far more innocuous by comparison. He announced in one, for example, that the Texas Department of Emergency Management would be deploying medical personnel and COVID-19 resources around the state.