File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

COVID-19

Kamloops Councillor Denis Walsh positive for COVID-19

Mar 8, 2021 | 10:52 AM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops councillor has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at home.

Councillor Denis Walsh’s says he felt under the weather last Wednesday (Mar. 3).

“I woke up and I had a headache, which is very unusual — I don’t get headaches — and I felt a little off. I started getting more fatigued during the day, so in the evening I went online and registered for a test because I figured something was up.”

Walsh says he received his positive test result Thursday night.

Mayor Ken Christian says he is not worried that anyone on council or City of Kamloops staff was exposed to the virus.

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“His last exposure to council was a week ago on Tuesday (Mar. 2) during the special meeting that we had,” Christian said. “That was held at the facilities at Sandman Centre and those are compliant with Worksafe [BC’s] rules with respect to being isolated and separated.”

Christian says Walsh contacted Councillors Dieter Dudy and Bill Sarai separately, as they sit closest to him at council meetings.

“The exposure would have been within what is generally held as the incubation period for the disease. However, they don’t call an exposure unless you are within two metres of an individual for in excess of 15 minutes without a mask on. In the facilities that we have, that is not the case so we don’t feel there is anybody at risk,” said Christian.

While isolating at home, Walsh will participate in council meetings via Zoom as long as he continues feeling up to it.

Christian said it’s not particularly surprising for the virus to rear its head around the council table.

“As we see community transmission in Kamloops, you’re going to have cases that are somewhat isolated. We’re seeing that in schools, we’re seeing that in other businesses, so council is really no different.”

Walsh is also the co-owner of The Vic Downtown Coffee Bistro on Victoria Street.

In a message posted to its Facebook page, the coffee shop says “there is no perceived risk to our customers or staff” from the positive COVID-19 test but, out of an abundance of caution, the shop will be closed Monday (Mar. 8) and Tuesday to offer customers peace of mind and allow staff to be tested for the virus.