King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove announced Saturday, Oct. 8 that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Upthegrove, who was vaccinated in March, says he has been having “severe flu-like symptoms” and is quarantining at home, according to a media release.
Upthegrove, 50, of Des Moines, said he does not know how he contracted the virus, but has followed the public health guidelines by notifying anyone he was in close contact with for two days prior to the onset of symptoms. His husband, who is a teacher in the Highline School District, has tested negative.
“I am so grateful to have been vaccinated or this would be much worse, if not life-threatening,” Upthegrove said. “I encourage everyone to please get vaccinated and follow public health guidelines.”
Upthegrove, who is in the middle of a reelection campaign, has cancelled all in-person events until at least Oct. 16.
Shukri Olow is challenging Upthegrove for the District 5 seat. District 5 covers parts of Kent and Renton as well as SeaTac, Tukwila, Burien, Normandy Park and Des Moines.
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