'If you believe that you have had contact with me recently, and are concerned, please understand that once the test results are in, and if they are positive, York Region Public Health Officials will do a thorough investigation and follow-up with all relevant direct contacts,' mayor says

NewmarketToday received the following statement from Mayor John Taylor who is currently in self-isolation after being tested for COVID-19:

On Thursday, March 12, 2020, I spoke to Public Health officials and was screened for COVID-19.

I have been experiencing shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue. As a result, Public Health decided, based on our interview, that I should be tested for COVID-19. I was referred to Southlake Regional Health Centre to be tested. Southlake Regional Health Centre asked me to wait in my car until a negative pressure room was available. After waiting approximately one hour, I was taken directly to that room where I waited for another hour or so. I was tested and sent home. I am currently in self-isolation as directed by Public Health and am awaiting results.

I feel better today than I did yesterday. I will remain in self-isolation until I am told I no longer need to by York Region Public Health. I am currently at home and distancing myself from my wife and children. I fully expect the test result to be negative as most are negative, but I felt given my public position that I should take all necessary steps to ensure I have not contracted COVID-19. I will share the results with everyone as soon as I have them.

If you believe that you have had contact with me recently, and are concerned, please understand that once the test results are in, and if they are positive, York Region Public Health Officials will do a thorough investigation and follow-up with all relevant direct contacts. I will receive these test results within the next 72 hours.

At this time, York Region Public Health is advising us that the risk to York Region and Newmarket residents remain low.

My advice to everyone is to take direction from York Region Public Health and the Province of Ontario for COVID-19 website information. If you have questions about COVID-19, please call York Region’s Health Connections line at 1-800-361-5653, Monday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-000.

They are in the best position to provide you information on COVID-19, how to assess your own health conditions and what to do if you feel you may need to be tested. Please rely on our Public Health professionals and not social media to inform you in the days and weeks ahead.

– John Taylor, Mayor of Newmarket