Washington, Aug 7 (IANS): Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, just hours ahead of President Donald Trump's planned visit to the state.

"As part of the standard protocol to greet President Trump on the tarmac in Cleveland, I took a COVID test. I tested positive," Xinhua news agency quoted DeWine as saying in a tweet on Thursday.

"I have no symptoms at this time. I'm following protocol and will quarantine at home for the next 14 days," the 73-year-old Republican added.

Local media said he later returned to Columbus, the state's capital city.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was also tested for coronavirus ahead of Trump's visit and turned out negative, DeWine's office said.

After landing in Cleveland, Trump wished DeWine and called him a "great guy" who has "done a fantastic job".

Latest data from the Ohio Department of Health showed there were 96,305 coronavirus cases in the state.

DeWine is the latest politician to test positive for the virus ahead of their planned meetings with the President.

Last week, Republican Representative Louie Gohmert, who has frequently refused to wear a mask, tested positive for the virus shortly before he was scheduled to fly aboard Air Force One with Trump to Texas.