Tests confirm Sudbury mayor does not have COVID-19

SUDBURY -- In a statement made early Saturday afternoon, a city official confirmed Mayor Brian Bigger of Sudbury does not have the coronavirus.

"Today, Mayor Brian Bigger received news from Public Health Sudbury and District indicating that his test was NEGATIVE and he does not have the COVID-19 virus."

The Sudbury mayor was tested earlier this week after Health Unit officials confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the city.

CTV News reported the individual who tested positive attended the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention in Toronto on March 2 and March 3 as a delegate. It was later confirmed Bigger was attending the convention on those dates.

Bigger had advised the public, he would continue to work from 'afar with the aid of technology', but will now be returning to city hall on Monday.

"I am relieved and will be returning to work immediately, but making measured decisions as to the amount of activity and interaction that is required at this time," read the statement.

The statement goes on to advise residents to follow all updated recommendations provided by Sudbury & District Health Units as they become available.