(BLOOMINGTON) – Mayor John Hamilton found out Wednesday night that a COVID-19 antibody test result given to him was positive, indicating that it is highly likely that he has experienced a COVID-19 infection.
The Mayor had received two negative results on the COVID-19 viral tests administered on April 18 and 21, after experiencing moderate flu-like symptoms and potentially being exposed to COVID-19.
Since mid-March, in continuing his work, the mayor has practiced physical distancing and other recommended protocols, and primarily telework. Hamilton has not experienced symptoms since April. The mayor was quarantined in late March and throughout April, including while experiencing symptoms and for 14 days after recovering, and continues to follow CDC protocols.
An antibody test checks the blood for antibodies, which may indicate a previous infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC indicates that it is not yet known whether a past infection transmits immunity against future infections.
The mayor’s positive antibody test result suggests that he is one of five City employees known to have experienced COVID-19 infection. The first two diagnosed employees are back on the job after fully recovering and the second two are expected to return to work this week.
The City of Bloomington is committed to sharing information on how its operations and workforce are affected by this public health emergency, and will continue to provide updates on confirmed cases among staff while adequately protecting the privacy of employees.
