Calgary

Airdrie council members self-isolating after government minister tests positive for COVID-19

Some members of Airdrie's city council are now in isolation after attending a funding announcement with Alberta's minister of municipal affairs, a spokesperson with the city confirmed Thursday.

Municipal Affairs Minister Tracy Allard attended funding announcement in Airdrie on Thursday

A bearded man in a dark suit speaks at a public event in this file photo.
Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown met with Municipal Affairs Minister Tracy Allard Oct. 15, during the announcement of a new interchange intended to reduce congestion for commuters. (Evelyne Asselin/CBC)

Some members of Airdrie's city council are now in isolation after attending a funding announcement with Alberta's minister of municipal affairs, a spokesperson with the city confirmed Wednesday.

Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown, along with Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt, Alberta Transportation Minister Ric McIver and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, all attended the funding announcement last week, intended to detail a new interchange in the city.

Municipal Affairs Minister Tracy Allard tested positive on Wednesday afternoon and was experiencing "mild symptoms."

A number of members of Airdrie city council and staff are now self-isolating, but no update on the number or the identities of those isolating was immediately provided. 

There are seven people on Airdrie's city council, including the mayor. 

Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown spoke at a provincial funding announcement held in Airdrie on Oct. 15. Also present at the announcement was Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Transportation Minister Ric McIver and Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Tracy Allard. Allard tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and is experiencing mild symptoms. (Government of Alberta)

"Those that may have been in close contact during that time, including some members of city council and staff, have been notified," reads a statement posted to the city of Airdrie website.

Council members will be required to isolate depending on how much contact they had with Allard. Some were in indoor meetings with the minister, while others did not come into contact with Allard at all.

McIver and Pitt are also self-isolating, but not showing symptoms at this time. United Conservative Party MLAs Peter Guthrie and Nathan Neudorff are also self-isolating after having interactions with Allard last week, according to Harrison Fleming, deputy press secretary for the premier's office.

Kenney's office confirmed to CBC News on Wednesday night that the premier tested negative but will continue with the isolation period.

Airdrie is located just north of Calgary.

With files from Rick Donkers