Quebec Mayor Bruno Marchand has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be able to attend activities planned as part of the Pope’s visit.
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The diagnosis fell on Tuesday, we learned in a brief statement released earlier in the afternoon, just over 24 hours before the sovereign pope arrived in the Old Capital.
The Mayor of Quebec was the only elected representative of the City of Quebec admitted to the various planned activities. He was to be present at Jean-Lesage Airport to receive the Pope and attend the scheduled meeting with various dignitaries and local officials at the Quebec Citadel. Mr. Marchand was also expected to be present at the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré fair on Thursday.
The mayor, who is forced to isolate himself to comply with the public health instructions in force, will finally give way to deputy mayor Catherine Vallières-Roland, who will take over the post, it has been announced.
The chosen one wrote a short note on Twitter on Tuesday. “I have unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19, so I will respect the isolation mandated by public health. Acting Mayor Catherine Vallières-Roland will take my place in activities surrounding the Pope’s visit. Take care !”
Unfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19, so I will respect the isolation mandated by public health.
Acting Mayor Catherine Vallières-Roland will take my place in activities surrounding the Pope’s visit.
Take care !
— Bruno Marchand (@brunomarchand) July 26, 2022
The mayor will continue his “remote” activities over the next few days. “As contacts have been restricted for a few days, no other elected official or person in the cabinet will have to isolate themselves after this positive result,” specifies the City of Quebec.