Toronto councillor in self-isolation after meeting with man who has COVID-19

A City of Toronto councillor is at home in self-isolation after he says he came into direct contact with a man who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Josh Matlow told Global News that he came into contact with the man at the Beth Sholom Synagogue, near Allen Road and Eglinton Avenue West, during a meeting and a tour on Thursday. He said the man had just returned from an unspecified conference in Washington, D.C.

The synagogue announced on Monday it is temporarily closing since a member was diagnosed with COVID-19. The man is currently in quarantine at home and is reportedly showing signs of recovery, according to a statement from the synagogue.

READ MORE: Toronto synagogue temporarily closes after member tests positive for COVID-19

Matlow said he contacted Toronto Public Health and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa immediately for advice, praising their response.

“I encourage every member of the public to take the steps I’ve taken if they’re ever concerned, which is to look for credible sources of information, reach out to public health and get accurate information about the next steps they should take,” he said.

READ MORE: Ted Cruz in self-isolation after shaking hands with man later diagnosed

Matlow said he was told Toronto Public Health will be calling him daily for monitoring purposes and that he’s been asked to check his temperature every day.

He said although he has cancelled all of his public events for the balance of his isolation period, he’s going to be working from home. Matlow said he’s currently staying his basement and away from his immediate family.

“I know that I’ve got a couple challenging weeks ahead of me. I’ve just had difficult conversations with my family and friends,” he said.

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“If I were to tell you what is my biggest concern it’s I won’t be able to give my daughter a hug. I’m confident that I’ll be fine. I also want to make sure I’ll do everything I can to protect everyone around me, and that’s what I’m doing.”

Meanwhile, Montreal MP Anthony Housefather also reported he is in self-isolation “out of an abundance of caution.”

He told Global News on Monday he received an email from Toronto Public Health advising a Toronto attendee at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference tested positive for COVID-19. Housefather was among the attendees at the conference.

“Toronto Public Health has to do tracing of that individual and so we were advised to stay at home await their recommendation,” he said in a statement.

“I feel absolutely fine and it has already been a week since I left the conference. I hope to receive further information from Toronto Public Health in the next day.”

As of Monday, there were 34 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario.