Chicago Democrat Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced on Tuesday that she tested positive for COVID-19.
The mayor revealed the diagnosis in a Twitter post on Tuesday afternoon.
“Earlier today, I tested positive for COVID-19. I am experiencing cold-like symptoms but otherwise feel fine which I credit to being vaccinated and boosted. I will continue to work from home while following the CDC guidelines for isolation,” Lightfoot wrote.
Earlier today, I tested positive for COVID-19. I am experiencing cold-like symptoms but otherwise feel fine which I credit to being vaccinated and boosted. I will continue to work from home while following the CDC guidelines for isolation.
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) January 11, 2022
Lightfoot is fully vaccinated and has received a booster shot. She noted in another post, “This is an urgent reminder for folks to get vaccinated and boosted as it’s the only way to beat this pandemic.”
This is an urgent reminder for folks to get vaccinated and boosted as it's the only way to beat this pandemic.
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) January 11, 2022
“Her last public appearance was Monday night announcing a tentative deal between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union at City Hall,” WGN reported.
Lightfoot’s case adds to nearly a dozen COVID-19 positive cases in the mayor’s office. Four mayoral employees tested positive after a December holiday party, according to WGN.
The report of Lightfoot’s positive COVID-19 status came just one day after she announced the Chicago Teachers Union had agreed to return to classrooms on Wednesday after refusing to hold in-person classes during the opening days of the spring semester.
After a productive day at the bargaining table, I am pleased to report, CTU will end their work stoppage.
CPS put a great proposal on the table that both bargaining teams discussed in detail today.
We will be able to get our children back in the classroom on Wednesday. 🧵
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) January 11, 2022
“As long as I’m Mayor, I will always be on the side of our children & their families. I was you as a kid growing up in a public school system. I’m here because of the teachers from my school. Education is the greatest equalizer,” Lightfoot argued in another post.
Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker expressed his support of Lightfoot after her statement.
“Sending my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to @chicagosmayor. I encourage all Illinoisans to follow in the Mayor’s footsteps and get vaccinated, get boosted, and get tested — it’s how we bring this pandemic to an end,” he tweeted.
Sending my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to @chicagosmayor.
I encourage all Illinoisans to follow in the Mayor’s footsteps and get vaccinated, get boosted, and get tested — it’s how we bring this pandemic to an end. https://t.co/ne9b0CObTL
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) January 11, 2022
Chicago reported an average of 4,793 new COVID cases per day, a drop from last week’s 5,189, according to NBC5 Chicago. “Hospitalizations, however, are averaging 187 per day, an increase of 37% in the last week. Deaths are also reporting an increase of 25% in the last week,” the outlet noted.
The mayor was not the only political leader to test positive for the virus on Tuesday. West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice also revealed he tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday after experiencing symptoms.
“While I was surprised that my test results came back positive, I’m thankful to the Lord above that I’ve been vaccinated, I’ve been boosted, and that I have an incredible support system, especially my loving family,” Justice wrote.
Tonight I tested positive for COVID-19.
While I was surprised that my test results came back positive, I’m thankful to the Lord above that I’ve been vaccinated, I’ve been boosted, and that I have an incredible support system, especially my loving family.https://t.co/x8u0f6qYH5
— Governor Jim Justice (@WVGovernor) January 12, 2022
“The Governor, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, is experiencing moderate symptoms and is isolating at home,” his office said in a statement.
“Upon recommendation from his physicians, the Governor will be receiving a course of monoclonal antibody treatment tonight. He is being treated by several physicians, including Dr. Clay Marsh, MD, the State COVID-19 Czar,” the statement added.