coronavirus

San Diego Political Figures Test Positive for Coronavirus

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Two San Diego political figures announced they have tested positive for the coronavirus and a Chula Vista City Councilman continues to battle the virus.

Chula Vista City Councilman Steve Padilla was admitted to the ICU and hooked up to a respirator after appearing OK in a social media post confirming his coronavirus test on March 14.

San Diego County Democratic Party Chair Will Rodriguez-Kennedy also said he tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in the ICU on Saturday.

Kelvin Barrios, a candidate for the San Diego City Council's 9th District, tested positive today for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, he announced Saturday.

Barrios, who leads the race in the March primary to replace Georgette Gómez on the council and will likely be in a November runoff against Sean Elo, announced the positive test on Saturday.

"While I have been following all social distancing and self-isolation recommendations, I had what I thought was a normal flu for about a week, and just as I felt the symptoms were going away, I began experiencing bad body aches, sweating, headaches, labored breathing, high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate. I was tested at the hospital and just received my results today," he said.

"I share my diagnosis today, not to cause fear, but to encourage everyone to take precautions and stay at home to mitigate the spread of this virus. Let’s do our part to keep our neighbors and our city healthy," Barrios added.

District 9 represents the following neighborhoods: Alvarado Estates, City Heights, College Area, College View Estates, El Cerrito, Kensington, Mountain View, Mt. Hope, Rolando, Southcrest and Talmadge.

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