Two local MLAs and Airdrie's mayor have tested negative for COVID-19 after being exposed to a cabinet minister who had contracted the virus earlier this month.
Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt and Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie went into self-isolation Oct. 21 upon learning Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard had tested positive that afternoon.
“My test results came back negative for COVID-19 as was the case for all MLAs and [Premier Jason Kenney]," Guthrie said in an Oct. 27 statement. "In accordance with the health guidelines, I am still self-isolating until Oct. 29 inclusive. I am looking forward to getting back into the constituency and the legislature next. I am appreciative of our team's quick response and the work of health officials to support Albertans.”
Pitt also said in an Oct. 27 statement that she had tested negative for the virus.
"Also, no symptoms, but as per the rules, I will be in self-isolation for 14 days from Oct. 15," she said. "Not one of Minister Allard's close contacts has tested positive."
The two politicians' self-isolation came after Allard learned she had tested positive for the virus Oct. 21, according to a statement from the provincial government. The minister was among the Alberta government officials in Airdrie Oct. 15 for Kenney's funding announcement for the 40th Avenue interchange project.
City of Airdrie council members and administration were also at that funding announcement and later met with Alberta government officials. In an interview Oct. 26, Mayor Peter Brown said he had also tested negative.
“Because I wasn’t exposed to the person who has COVID-19...for more than 15 minutes, I’m not required to self-isolate for the full 10 days," he said. "I only was exposed to [Allard] when I passed her my jacket. My need for a test was precautionary because I didn’t have a lot of symptoms. However, I was in close proximity for that brief moment. For me, it’s just about being cautious and making sure I'm not positive because I do get out in the community quite often.”
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
