FLORENCE, Ala. — The city of Florence announced Monday that Mayor Andy Betterton has tested positive for COVID-19.
The city said Mayor Betterton is receiving care from his primary health care provider and is only experiencing mild symptoms as of January 4.
Additionally, the city said that Betterton followed all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines since being notified of the test result. Betterton has informed anyone who was in close contact of him of the positive test result.
While recovering from the virus, Council President Dick Jordan will represent the city in press conferences and municipal updates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.
The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
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