ITHACA, N.Y.—Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick announced Thursday that he would enter a precautionary quarantine after participating in a news conference with Binghamton Mayor Rich David on Wednesday. David tweeted that he had tested positive for the coronavirus late Wednesday.
“I will immediately enter a precautionary quarantine and will await contact from the Health Department,” Myrick said on Twitter. “Wear a mask! Maintain social distance! Stay safe!”
Myrick said he is experiencing no symptoms.
Yesterday I participated in a press conference with Mayor David.
I will immediately enter a precautionary quarantine and will await contact from the Health Department.
Wear a mask! Maintain social distance! Stay safe! https://t.co/rkC7pK0T8N
— Mayor Svante Myrick (@SvanteMyrick) October 8, 2020
The press conference Wednesday was held in Syracuse City Hall and included not only Myrick but also Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Fayetteville Mayor Mark Olson as the five called for federal funding to help their municipalities as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Walsh has announced he will also enter a precautionary quarantine.
David said he is “feeling fine” and is resting at home while awaiting recommendations from healthcare providers about further steps. Video from the press conference shows masks were worn by the politicians while they were not speaking at the podium. Positive tests have risen sharply in Binghamton over the last several days.
Late Wednesday, I tested positive for COVID-19. I’m feeling fine and will be resting at home. I will follow the recommendations of healthcare providers on treatment and isolation, and I’m working with health department staff to ensure proper contact tracing.
— Mayor Rich David (@MayorRichDavid) October 8, 2020
The quarantine comes just hours after Myrick presented the city’s 2021 budget.