Kevin Ashe, Deputy Mayor, City of Pickering yesterday announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19. His daughter works at Orchard Villa.
Mayor Dave Ryan has been on leave to recover from scarring of his lungs [see below].
“For the past eight weeks, I have been working diligently with the Members of Council, City staff, Durham Health Department, Lakeridge Health, and the senior levels of government to promote the importance of social distancing, practicing good hygiene, and staying home to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Despite my sincere beliefs and concerted efforts to protect our community, I have tested positive for Covid-19,” Deputy Mayor Ashe said in an issued statement.
“While I am not entirely certain, I may have contracted the virus from my daughter who is a proud and dedicated personal support worker at Orchard Villa. Regardless, I and my family will be in self-isolation for the next 14 days. At this time, my symptoms have been fairly mild, and I will be fully accessible while working full-time from home. This includes answering phone calls, replying to emails, participating in videoconferencing, and remotely chairing the Special Council Meeting on May 13th,” he said.
“My diagnosis embodies the strange and unprecedented times we find ourselves in. However, I don’t want the community to be discouraged. We are winning. We are flattening the curve. There is light at the end of this long and scary tunnel. I will recover. Our city will re-open. Together, we will overcome this terrible crisis, and as a result, we will be even stronger and more resilient,” Deputy Mayor Ashe added.
In a message of support, John Henry,Regional Chair & CEO, said: “The news of Covid-19 continues to touch all of our lives. I want to send my wishes fora speedy recovery to Deputy Mayor and Regioal Councillor Kevin Ashe, who has recently been diagnosed with the virus. I know Kevin’s determination will contribute to his recuperation. It’s a reminder we’re all in this together. We are Durham Strong.”
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