Buttigieg tests positive for COVID after Michigan visit

U.S. Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg has examined optimistic for COVID-19 and is experiencing gentle signs, he wrote on Twitter Monday. 

Buttigieg spoke at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Coverage Convention on Mackinac Island final Wednesday and traveled Thursday to Saginaw for an announcement about rail funding. 

“I plan to work remotely whereas isolating in response to CDC pointers, and stay up for after I can safely return to the workplace and the street,” he tweeted. 

Buttigieg was in shut contact with a number of of Michigan’s main state and federal officers through the annual coverage convention at Mackinac Island’s Grand Resort, the place masks weren’t required and sparsely used indoors.

It’s unclear whether or not Buttigieg caught COVID from the convention, and a spokesperson for Buttigieg stated they don’t seem to be conscious of anybody he got here in shut contact with testing optimistic for the virus.

The Detroit Regional Chamber stated Monday that 15 of the convention’s 1,347 attendees have examined optimistic for COVID within the days instantly following the occasion. These 15 are experiencing gentle or no signs. Proof of vaccination or a damaging PCR take a look at had been required to attend the convention, and solely 14 folks used the take a look at possibility, the chamber stated.

Kerry Ott, a spokesperson for the LMAS District Well being division encompassing Mackinac County, stated Monday that Mackinac Island’s wastewater examined “pretty excessive” for COVID throughout the newest take a look at proper earlier than Memorial Day weekend.

The secretary hosted a press convention with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, Michigan Transportation Director Paul Ajegba and others; was interviewed on stage by WDIV anchor Devin Scillian; and met privately with Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township and sure different officers. 

On Thursday, Buttigieg headed to Saginaw, the place he unveiled $368 million in funding for rail infrastructure and security. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, appeared on the announcement with the transportation secretary. 

rbeggin@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @rbeggin