By Dan Murphy
On Dec. 13, Catherine Cioffi Communications Director, Westchester County government, issued the following statement.
“Earlier today, Westchester County Executive George Latimer tested positive for COVID-19. The County Executive sought out a test after hearing that he was exposed at a community event. The County Executive is home in isolation, and is continuing to carry out the work of the Government from his residence. He is grateful his symptoms are mild thanks to his COVID-19 vaccinations.”
Earlier on Dec. 10, Latimer postponed his weekly COVID briefing and update that he delivers to the people of Westchester.
Latimer received his two vaccinations earlier this year and had planned on getting a booster shot this week before he tested positive.
Latimer’s announcement comes as COVID cases have begun to increase in Westchester and across New York State, resulting in NY Governor Kathy Hochul ordering a mask mandate for all New Yorkers on Dec. 10. Gov. Hochul’s mandate requires masks to be worn in all indoor public places in New York unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement for entry.
The first case of the COVID variant Omicron was identified in a 13-year old Westchester resident last week. After that announcement, County Executive Latimer declared a state of emergency in Westchester, which better prepares hospitals, medical facilities and county government with the ability to deal with more COVID patients and cases if they arise.
Late on Dec. 10, Latimer posted on Facebook, “Well… just joined Club COVID. Tested positive today. I feel okay – light symptoms. Will work from home and hit all my Zoom calls for the next 10 days.”
The people of Westchester are wishing County Executive Latimer a healthy and speedy recovery, and he is in our prayers.
