Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price tests positive for COVID-19 after husband contracts virus

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price has tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after she announced her husband had contracted the virus.

The mayor's office announced Wednesday both Betsy and her husband have only had mild symptoms, are in good spirits and are quarantining.

The mayor was already in quarantine earlier after her husband tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday.

This is the fourth time Price has put herself in quarantine after having contact with someone who tested positive.

Price’s previous quarantines were back in April when a staff member was infected, then again in June, then last month.

“While we are fortunate to be exhibiting mild symptoms, we are closely monitoring our health and consulting our physicians,” Price said in a statement. “As we head into the holiday season we continue to ask everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize the health and safety of our community by wearing a mask and social distancing. We appreciate everyone’s prayers for a speedy recovery.”

Saturday marked Price’s most recent public appearance at a socially distanced bike ride fundraiser for Tarrant Area Food Bank. She was seen wearing a mask and a cape when she met with healthcare workers at both JPS and Cook Children’s.

During parts of the ride, Price is seen riding in a group without a mask although she was outdoors. The event was originally planned as a Halloween themed event in late October but had to be rescheduled then because she’d been exposed to the coronavirus.

Price’s announcement on Facebook was met with hundreds of comments, many with well wishes and others criticizing the mayor for her many public appearances.

County Judge Glen Whitley says running the thirteenth largest city in the country during a pandemic has been a challenge and that Price has been working hard.

“I just want her to get well and get back in it as soon as she can because I know that she is the kind of person that needs to be out and she needs to be active,” Whitley said.

The city says Price will only return to work in person after waiting at least 10 days since her first symptoms, 24 hours without a fever and when her symptoms have improved.

There is no information as to where either may have been exposed.

At this time, Mayor Price has declined a request for a Zoom interview.

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