Mayor tests positive for COVID-19

By COLLIN GALLANT on January 27, 2022.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant

Mayor Linnsie Clark is the second city council member in a month to test positive for COVID-19.

She is isolating at her home and plans to work remotely, she told the News on Wednesday afternoon, after describing her symptoms as mild.

“I’ve felt better,” she said. “I think the community will be understanding. This is a very contagious disease, and this really confirms that when you are in close quarters, you should wear a mask (and take other recommended precautions).”

Earlier this month, Coun. Ramona Robins announced she was isolating with a COVID diagnosis after a small Christmas gathering.

Clark as well said via her social media feed that she felt disclosing her illness was important for the sake of transparency.

She will isolate for a minimum of five days, as is directed by Alberta Health guidelines for someone with at least two doses of vaccine.

She predicted that unless symptoms worsen she would be able to maintain a typical workload.

Council’s operating protocol requires there to be a predetermined schedule of acting and deputy mayors who can perform some duties of the mayor if required.

If any city business requires urgent in-person attention, such as signatures, Coun. Darren Hirsch is currently designated to become acting mayor.

That person would also take over as chair of city council meetings, if needed, the next of which is scheduled to take place on February 7.

Coun. Cassi Hider is the current deputy mayor and would become the acting mayor designate as of Jan. 30.