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COVID positive, Adams cancels all public events scheduled this week
By
Phil Corso
and
Jake Offenhartz
Published Apr 10, 2022
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Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Phil Corso
and
Jake Offenhartz
Published Apr 10, 2022
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Mayor Eric Adams tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday soon after cancelling all of his in-person events, his press secretary said.
After waking up on his 100th day in office with what a spokesperson called a raspy voice, the mayor took a rapid test Sunday morning that came back negative. But a subsequent PCR test, which is known to be more sensitive in detecting the virus, came back positive soon after Adams cancelled his Sunday events "out of an abundance of caution," his press office said.
The mayor, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, then cancelled the remaining events he had scheduled for the rest of this week.
"At this time, the mayor has no other symptoms, but he is already isolating and will be canceling all public events for the remainder of the week," press secretary Fabien Levy said in a statement. "He is also going to immediately begin taking the anti-viral medications offered for free to New York City residents and encourages all New Yorkers eligible for these medications to take them as well."
Levy said the mayor would be working remotely while he isolates.
Adams was scheduled to speak Sunday morning at the opening day ribbon cutting of Deno's Wonder Wheel in Coney Island. He was also scheduled to appear live on "The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart" on MSNBC.
The mayor attended last Saturday's Gridiron Dinner in Washington, D.C. The dinner has been reported as superspreader event after it was tied to more than 50 COVID-19 cases, including several high profile public officials.
Adams maintained a packed schedule over the last week, making appearances on Broadway, at the annual convention for the National Action Network, and in Albany, among other stops.
On Thursday, Adams attended the premiere of a film festival dedicated to bringing awareness to people living with disabilities. Following news of his positive COVID test on Sunday, photos of Adams not wearing a mask at the event drew concern from some advocates, who noted that many others in attendance wore face coverings.
“It does give me pause,” said Jim Lebrecht, a filmmaker and disability rights activist affiliated with the film festival. “When we enter any space, we have to be sensitive to the needs and desires of the people within that space."
"The mayor does set an example,” he added.
The New York City Health Department recommends any New Yorker get tested "if they have symptoms or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19."
This story was updated with new information about the mayor's test results.
Tagged
COVID-19
eric adams
Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
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Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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