CLOVIS, CA (KMJ) — A group of Fresno leaders have seen firsthand that COVID-19 is nothing to mess around with, after one by one they were either quarantined or actually infected.
Two weeks ago, Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau tested positive.
He had attended an election dinner and spread it to other city leaders.
Brandau speaking with KMJ’s Ray Appleton on Thursday that he was doing fine until Wednesday night, when he said it was like a scene out of the exorcist.
Fresno Mayor-elect Jerry Dyer also told KMJ’s Appleton that he, too, was not doing so well.
Council Member Mike Karbassi, speaking Thursday on KMJ says “now is the time – politics or not – to wear a mask.”
Drew Bessinger, the mayor of Clovis entered quarantine on Thursday after finding out he was exposed to somebody who tested positive on Tuesday.
Mayor Bessinger said he feels fine and has no symptoms but will self-quarantine at home.
Below is Mayor Bessinger’s statement:
In my role as the Mayor of Clovis, I attended a meeting Monday morning at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport Administration Building regarding regional economic opportunities. All those in attendance were temperature scanned and answered a COVID questionnaire prior to entering the room. Masks were worn by everyone and we were socially distanced six feet or more apart. Later that evening, I presided over the meeting of the Clovis City Council. Along with my colleagues, I wore a mask into and out of the chambers. I removed my mask to speak, and put it back on several times during the meeting. The City of Clovis limits the number of persons in Council Chambers to 16. All persons in attendance, including Councilmembers, are socially distanced inside the Chambers.
I learned Tuesday afternoon that a person in attendance at the airport meeting had tested positive for COVID 19 Monday afternoon. I immediately notified the Clovis City Manager, and out of an abundance of caution I decided to self-quarantine at home. I contacted my Council colleagues and alerted them to the situation. I have canceled all appearances and appointments, including a Veteran’s Day event where I provided a recorded message.
I have consulted with governmental health representatives and my personal physician regarding recommended health precautions. I feel fine and have no symptoms of COVID 19, or any illness. I took a COVID 19 test this morning. I will follow the advice of medical professionals based upon the test results. I am planning to attend the November 16th Council meeting via the web.
With Covid numbers rising, the City of Fresno is preparing for next week – when they anticipate Fresno County moving back into the purple tier.
Fresno City Council Member Mike Karbassi says the City of Fresno is ramping up to help citizens during the Covid surge.
Karbasssi told KMJ’s Ray Appleton he was fortunate to be one of the city leaders who did not get Covid from Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau during last week’s election dinner.
Click to listen to the reports by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
