Manitoba opposition leader Wab Kinew said Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will virtually participate in legislative proceedings.
Kinew said he is doubly vaccinated and underwent tests after experiencing mild symptoms.
“Even though I had been vaccinated twice and that led me to think that this is probably not COVID, I did notice a bit of a cough, a sore throat and some congestion,” said the NDP leader.
“And I thought, well, even though I don’t think this is COVID, these are the symptoms, so let me go and get tested.”
Kinew posted on social media that his symptoms remain mild, that his wife and children are fine, and that he is isolating himself.
That means he will participate by video conference when the progressive Conservative government unveils its agenda in a speech to the throne on Tuesday, the start of a short fall legislative session.
“I don’t know where I got it, but luckily I started to isolate myself as soon as I felt the symptoms. So it doesn’t seem like there are many close contacts.”
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Kinew held a press conference last Wednesday to call for a public inquiry into the province’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manitoba has had the second highest per capita death rate among provinces, behind Quebec. Dozens of patients had to be airlifted to other provinces to free up intensive care beds last spring.
Kinew was first elected to the legislature in 2016 and became the leader of the NDP the following year.
#Manitoba opposition leader @Wabkinew tests positive for COVID-19, says he is isolating himself. #MBPoli # Covid19
He urged people Monday night to follow public health orders and get vaccinated.
The good wishes came from people of all political persuasions.
“I wish you a speedy recovery and the best for you and your family at this time @Wabkinew. May you get better soon,” read a message on Premier Heather Stefanson’s Twitter account.
“Wishing @Wabkinew and his family all the best. Appreciate the message that our community remains vigilant in our collective battle against #COVID, including the importance of getting vaccinated,” Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman tweeted.
This Canadian Press report was first published on November 22, 2021.
Reference-www.nationalobserver.com