City expects to hear about Letham’s COVID results by early next week

The City of Kawartha Lakes is keeping their fingers crossed that their top official, Mayor Andy Letham, tests negative for COVID-19.

The mayor felt unwell on Tuesday, and in compliance with the city’s COVID protocol informed the Assessment Centre for further direction and then self- isolated awaiting a formal test.

The mayor participated in a committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday afternoon virtually, but was forced to miss a regularly scheduled press conference on Wednesday morning.

Cheri Davidson, manager of communications, advertising and marketing for the city, told the Advocate that the mayor was tested at noon on Wednesday October 7 for COVID, and will continue to self-isolate pending the results of his test.

“We will await the test results,” Davidson shared, “and if there is a positive COVID-19 test confirmed, we will await instructions from the Health Unit regarding contact tracing as this is their role.”

“As per our workplace health and safety protocols,” Davidson continued, “we treat everyone as if they could be a carrier of COVID-19.”

Davidson was asked if any staffers and/or councillors have been tested in light or the mayor’s situation.

“Yes, there are staff that have been tested, not in connection with the mayor’s symptoms, but rather as a result of their exposure through other circumstances like family,” Davidson added, “but to date we have had no staff or members of council test positive for COVID-19.”

Based on typical wait times for COVID tests in Ontario it is expected that Letham will know either late this week or early next week whether he has the virus or not.