Saint John city councillor who tested positive for COVID-19 says vaccine kept him from getting sick
A Saint John councillor who is both fully vaccinated and "entirely asymptomatic" is now in isolation after contracting COVID-19 and is using his story and platform to encourage others to get their vaccines.
David Hickey, who represents Ward 3, was on his way to Prince Edward Island for the weekend and when he arrived at the border on Friday was given a rapid test, and ended up testing positive for the virus.
"I got the phone call, was instructed by P.E.I. Public Health to then go to their testing facility in Charlottetown," says Hickey.
"I did the PCR test at their testing facility and then proceeded to where we were staying, luckily it was isolated enough that myself and the people I was with were able to stay isolated."
Hickey then received a call from the province's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Heather Morrison who confirmed to him that he did, in fact, have COVID-19 – he credits his lack of symptoms to the fact that he has received both doses of vaccine and is using his story to encourage others to get it.
"The only reason I'm safe at home, the only reason I'm asymptomatic is because I'm vaccinated." says Hickey. "I would be at much higher risk for various severe symptoms, certainly respiratory in particular."
As of last Thursday, P.E.I. has increased testing at the province's points of entry as a way to catch any cases of COVID-19 early. Dr. Morrison said today that between Friday and Sunday 8,400 people were tested at the borders – a record number.
"There needs to be a clear call to allow more rapid testing to be available to folks," says Hickey, "and allow more rapid testing to become commonplace in making sure that folks are getting tested regularly – vaccinated and unvaccinated."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.