Mayor and councillor self-isolating over COVID-19 concerns (update)

By CityNews Halifax Staff

Mayor Mike Savage has shut down his office and entered voluntary isolation.

“Earlier today my office became aware of a possible link to someone who is seeking testing for COVID-19,” said Savage on Twitter late Thursday afternoon.

He added, as a precaution, his office is closed and all staff are in voluntary isolation until they have more information. Savage said Friday afternoon he is feeling fine.

An email obtained by NEWS 95.7 and HalifaxToday.ca sent to council from CEO Jacques Dube Friday morning said that person is not feeling symptoms.

“We are still trying to have that person tested which is challenging because the Province’s protocol does not provide for testing of people without symptoms,” the email said.

Councillor Richard Zurawski is also in self-isolation.

“I had an interaction with someone who is being tested for the COVID virus, so as a result, I'm a possible vector,” he told NEWS 95.7's The Rick Howe Show Friday morning. “That person is going in for testing today and we should get the results very, very quickly, then I'll be able to post on Facebook exactly what my status is.”

Sam Austin also plans to self-isolate.

In a Thursday night tweet he says he's on vacation in the United States.

“Had we been flying this week instead of last, we would have cancelled,” Austin tweeted. “When I return, family and I will self-isolate for 2 weeks.”

Dube's email said City Hall has been cleaned and disinfected from top to bottom. The Mayor's office is closed today and might reopen Monday.

City Hall remains open, however those not comfortable coming in are being allowed to work from home.

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