Bill Gates discusses his book “How to Prevent the Next Pandemic” at the 92nd Street Y on May 3 in New York. The Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist posted on Twitter on Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Bill Gates discusses his book “How to Prevent the Next Pandemic” at the 92nd Street Y on May 3 in New York. The Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist posted on Twitter on Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Bill Gates says he has COVID, experiencing mild symptoms

The billionaire philanthropist said he will isolate until he is again healthy.

  • By Wire Service
  • Wednesday, May 11, 2022 6:24am
  • Northwest

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said Tuesday he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms.

Via Twitter, the billionaire philanthropist said he will isolate until he is again healthy.

“I’m fortunate to be vaccinated and boosted and have access to testing and great medical care,” Gates wrote.

The Seattle-based Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the most influential private foundation in the world, with an endowment of about $65 billion.

Bill Gates has been a vocal proponent for pandemic mitigation measures, specifically access to vaccines and medication for poorer countries. The Gates Foundation in October said it will spend $120 million to boost access to generic versions of drugmaker Merck’s antiviral COVID-19 pill for lower-income countries.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

Masked federal agents arrive to help immigration agents detain immigrants and control protesters June 4 in Chicago. California in September became the first state to ban law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings, in response to immigration raids where federal agents wore masks. (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times)
Ban on police face coverings pitched ahead of WA’s 2026 legislative session

The Trump administration is challenging a similar law passed in California, amid worries over masked immigration agents.

Police are failing to solve most violent crimes in WA

Over 49,000 incidents remain unsolved since 2022, including murders, rapes and robberies.

A Flock Safety camera on Oct. 28, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington lawmakers want to regulate license plate readers

Washington state lawmakers next year hope to rein in law enforcement’s use… Continue reading

Democratic state Rep. Shaun Scott of Seattle (left) is proposing a new payroll tax on large employers in Washington. He took part in a discussion on the state’s tax system during the Budget Matters Summit on Nov. 12, 2025 in Seattle. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Budget and Policy Center)
WA Dems’ latest run at taxing the state’s largest companies

Rep. Shaun Scott’s proposal mirrors an approach Senate Democrats drew up then discarded last session.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Colleen Melody to the state Supreme Court on Nov. 24, 2025. Melody, who leads civil rights division of the state Attorney General’s Office, will assume her seat following the retirement of Justice Mary Yu at the end of the year. (Photo by Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
Gov. Bob Ferguson makes his pick for WA Supreme Court seat

Colleen Melody, who leads the civil rights division at the state attorney general’s office, will succeed Justice Mary Yu, who is retiring.

Jsason Phipps of the City of Mount Vernon tightens straps on the flood wall along the Skagit River in downtown Mount Vernon on Thursday. The river is forecast to crest on Friday morning after several days of heavy rain pushed waterways in the region to record levels. (Grant Hindsley/The New York Times)
Record flooding forces rescues across Western Washington

Waterways crested at record levels in several flooded small towns across western… Continue reading

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, left, participates in the extradition from California of Harjinder Singh, accused of causing a crash that killed three people in Florida. (Photo via Collins’ X account)
WA erred in granting hundreds of commercial driver’s licenses to noncitizens

The issue has flared up after a fatal truck crash in Florida earlier this year.

The state ferries Klahowya (center right) and Hyak (left center) are taking up valuable space at the Eagle Harbor maintenance yard of Washington State Ferries. Both retired ferries have been for sale for more than four years. (Photo by Tom Banse for Washington State Standard)
For sale: Two retired state ferries. Dreamers need not apply

The vessels are lingering on the market as Washington State Ferries scrutinizes potential buyers. Past purchases haven’t always ended well.

Washington began selling a specialty plate honoring Pickleball on Nov. 19, 2025. This is a sample of a personalized plate. (Seattle Metro Pickleball Association)
It’s an ace. Pickleball gets its own Washington license plate

The design celebrates the state’s official sport. Other new plate designs are on the way.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signing Senate Bill 5480, a bill exempting medical debt from credit reports, on April 22. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
WA’s new ban on medical debt in credit reports at risk of federal override

The Trump administration wants to reverse Biden-era guidance on the issue.

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., on May 7, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
End of shutdown ignites sparring among congressional lawmakers

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez was among six Democrats who sided with Republicans in voting the legislation out of the House.

Attorney General Nick Brown has proposed new advice for locales on how to interpret state public records law, with a focus on providing records faster. (Stock photo)
Need for speed: Plan to unclog WA public records system gets mixed reviews

Washington’s attorney general is seeking to reduce public record backlogs as concerns… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.