Mayor Ed Gainey, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald test positive for COVID-19
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Two high-profile leaders are recovering from COVID-19.
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey both tested positive. They spent much of the week together in Harrisburg. According to the mayor's Facebook page, they were advocating for critical infrastructure investments in Pittsburgh.
They spent time with Lt. Governor John Fetterman at a distance and Governor Tom Wolf. Both have tested negative and wish the local leaders a speedy recovery.
According to Fitzgerald, he was alerted after Mayor Gainey tested positive. Fitzgerald got tested Friday morning and tested positive.
"I have no symptoms. I feel fine," he said over the phone. "I'm sure in a few days, we'll both be fine."
The mayor's team said Gainey has minimal symptoms. Both are now working from home in isolation.
This comes as cases are rising across the country. Allegheny County reported 906 infections from April 7-11. It's up from the week before when it was 487.
"We knew throughout the year we would see occasional places where things would spike," AHN Doctor of Internal Medic Dr. Brian Lamb said over Zoom.
According to Lamb, guidelines have become more relaxed and people are out. He said this should not stop people from gathering with loved ones over this holiday weekend. If you are unvaccinated, the doctor advises reconsidering being with others. If you have symptoms, it's best to get tested.
He expects spikes to continue, but he hopes each spike's peak is lower than the previous.
"It's nothing to be terrified of. We don't want anyone to panic. Just use common sense," Dr. Lamb said.
Both Gainey and Fitzgerald credit the vaccine for keeping their symptoms to a minimum.
"Had I not been vaccinated, this could be a whole different issue that I would be dealing with," Fitzgerald told KDKA.
