Some members of the Wichita City Council are self-quarantining after learning late Tuesday they attended a conference in Washington, DC last week with two people who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Out of an abundance of caution, following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation and on the guidance of Sedgwick County Health Director Adrienne Byrne, Mayor Brandon Whipple, Council Members Brandon Johnson, Becky Tuttle, and James Clendenin are self-quarantining.
The National League of Cities, which sponsored the annual Congressional City Conference, made attendees aware late Tuesday that two participants tested positive for the coronavirus. The attendees included elected and staff representatives from cities across the country.
Vice Mayor Cindy Claycomb, Council Member Bryan Frye and City Manager Robert Layton were also in Washington last week but did not attend the conference. Council Member Jeff Blubaugh did not travel last week.
Citing privacy laws, the league did not identify those attendees who tested positive.
None of the Wichita City Council members have exhibited any symptoms and are seeking further guidance from the Sedgwick County Health Director’s office. Residents and City employees who have been in their proximity do not need to self-quarantine or be tested.
The CDC recommends anyone who has flu-like symptoms contact their medical professional immediately and undertake responsible preventative practices including staying home from work and self-quarantining as necessary.
Please visit
wichita.gov/coronavirus for the latest updates.
