Chicago alderman tests positive for COVID-19

Chicago Alderman Michael Scott Jr. of the 24th Ward has tested positive for COVID-19.

The alderman released a statement on Twitter stating that he was tested on July 31 during a "Bike the Boulevard Event" hosted by the 24th Ward and the 10th and 11th police districts.

"On Friday July 31st, the 24th Ward hosted, in conjunction with the 10th and 11th police district, our Bike and Boulevard event to encourage safe and positive community activity. One of the resources provided to the community and myself was COVID testing on-site. Today, I received my test results and they came back positive," the statement reads. 

He says he currently has no symptoms, but is following necessary health protocols. 

This announcement comes after Scott appeared with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday for a news conference announcing CPS would start the school year remote.

Chicago Alderman Michael Scott Jr., 24th Ward

A spokesperson for Lightfoot released a statement Thursday night saying the mayor has been tested for COVID since Thursday and her results came back negative.

"We have learned that Alderman Michael Scott, who was an attendee at yesterday's press conference, has tested positive for COVID-19. The Alderman was asymptomatic and is following all of the necessary health protocols. In coordination with the Chicago Department of Public Health, we are reaching out to all those who interacted with Alderman Scott to provide guidance on how they can get tested and any other health and safety measures they should take at this time. We will also be conducting a deep clean of the press conference space and the additional spaces where the Alderman interacted in the building," the statement read.

It continued: "Mayor Lightfoot has been tested for COVID-19 since yesterday’s press conference, and her results have come back negative. She will continue to follow the guidance of the Department of Public Health over the course of the standard 14-day incubation period. She will not be quarantining given that she was not in close proximity with the Alderman for an extended period of time, per CDPH and CDC guidelines on quarantining. All participants were wearing masks and practicing proper social distancing for the duration of yesterday’s press conference.”