Michael Ford becomes first Toronto councillor to test positive for COVID-19

Thestar.com
June 10, 2020
David Rider

Michael Ford is the first Toronto city councillor to test positive for COVID-19.

The 26-year-old Ward 1 Etobicoke North representative, a nephew of Premier Doug Ford, confirmed his diagnosis Tuesday.

“This morning I was made aware that I have tested positive for COVID-19,” he wrote in a statement.

“I have been self-isolating and will continue to do so over the next 14 days as I work from home to participate virtually in city business and committee meetings, and to continue serving the residents of Etobicoke North.

“I am feeling well and will continue to remain in constant contact with Toronto Public Health.”

Ford aide Nicolas Di Marco told the Star the councillor has been in “laying low since he got the test, just in case, but he’s in good health, good spirits.

“He’s looking forward to city business rolling on, city council starting up at the end of the month. That’s his mindset right now.”

Di Marco said he did not know why Ford got tested or if he knows when or where he was infected. The Ontario government is advising people to get tested if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or had close contact with somebody infected.

On Twitter, colleagues sent well wishes to the amiable councillor.

“Michael is a fundamentally decent and kind man,” wrote Coun. Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York), chair of the Toronto Public Health board helping oversee the pandemic response.

“We spoke this evening, and as usual he’s in good spirits. Join me in wishing him a quick recovery. We need him back soon at City Hall so I have someone to spar with. Get well soon, bud.”

Coun. Brad Bradford tweeted: “Stay well, Mike! Want to see you back in the chamber when this is all done!”

The youngest member of council, he was elected in 2016 in then-Ward 2 to replace his late uncle Rob Ford, and re-elected in the new Ward 1 in 2018.

Two of his colleagues have self-isolated -- Coun. Josh Matlow, after he had contact with a man who later tested positive, and Mayor John Tory, who followed public health advice after returning from a trip to England.

Toronto Public Health said Tuesday the city has seen 12,828 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 121 cases since Monday. A total of 9,907 people have recovered.

The virus had killed 952 Torontonians, an increase of eight over Monday.