Two Rocky View County (RVC) MLAs are self-isolating after attending provincial government announcements in Cochrane and Airdrie Oct. 15 with a cabinet minister who has since tested positive for COVID-19.
Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard learned she had tested positive for the virus Oct. 21, according to an Alberta government press release. Allard was among government officials in Airdrie Oct. 15 for Premier Jason Kenney's funding announcement for the 40th Avenue interchange project.
According to the release, Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt and Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie – who were both at the funding announcement – are now self-isolating, as is Kenney, who is a close contact of Allard. The statement added none of the three elected officials were experiencing symptoms as of Oct. 21.
Guthrie said he was tested for COVID-19 Oct. 22, after press time, and will be self-isolating until Oct. 29, pending results.
“Upon being notified that Minister Allard tested positive for COVID-19, I followed the provincial health guidelines and immediately self-isolated," he said in a statement. "I want to thank everyone who has contacted me with their well-wishes. I am not exhibiting any symptoms and feel fine. I wish Minister Allard a quick and successful recovery.”
Allard was also in Cochrane Oct. 15 for the grand opening of the Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge. After her positive test was revealed, the Town of Cochrane issued a statement on its website that local officials and staff members were made aware.
"Those that may have been in close contact at the pre-opening event, including members of Town council and staff, have been notified and are following all AHS protocols for self-isolation and testing," the release stated.
NDP Leader Rachel Notley said her best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Allard.
“We also are very much hoping that her close contacts ultimately test negative for COVID-19, including, of course, Premier Kenney as well as Minister Ric McIver and MLAs Pitt, [Nathan] Neudorf and Guthrie," she said in a statement.
“We also recognize the Legislative Assembly plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of Albertans through this pandemic as well as in promoting an economic recovery for the future. We are hopeful that we will be able to work with the Government to establish enhanced safety protocols and we remain willing to negotiate meaningful strategies to achieve this.”
