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Port McNeill mother confirms she had a positive COVID-19 test

The mother of two is self-isolating and following all protocols
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Kelly Chadwick of Port McNeill tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 3. (Submitted)

Another North Island resident has confirmed they have COVID-19, and are isolating at home, this time in Port McNeill. Kelly Chadwick, mother of two, started feeling cold-like symptoms on Nov. 30.

She stayed home from work the next day day and sent her kids to stay with their dad and began to isolate herself.

On Dec. 3, Island Health called with the positive test confirmation. Chadwick was surprised; she thought it was just a regular sinus infection like she gets every winter.

She works at the local pharmacy but since Mondays are her regular day off, she hadn’t been at work during the contagious part of the disease, which Island Health says is 48-hours before the onset of symptoms.

Still, the pharmacy took the situation seriously, double and triple checking it was safe to remain open.

A couple of close friends who Chadwick saw over the weekend, as well as Chadwick’s two children, are now isolating for 14 days.

The quarantine means Chadwick will miss her son’s 10th birthday on Dec. 10, but she’s glad she’ll still get to spend Christmas with them.

She has no idea where she picked up the virus, saying it had been at least three weeks since she was last down island.

“At first I felt a little bombarded, like it was my fault,” she told the Gazette, but since sharing publicly on Facebook she feels supported by the community.

READ MORE: First publicly confirmed COVID-19 case in Port Hardy has been isolated since before symptoms occurred

Port McNeill Mayor Gaby Wickstrom wrote a post on her official Facebook page, saying that while rumours of COVID have been going around, it’s a reminder to always diligently follow the public health guidelines, and to make sure that they need to stay kind.

“We have always been a community that cares. Don’t let COVID steal that from us. Let’s be sure to remain caring by extending grace and kindness to all. Do not let fear consume you. We will get through this!”

Do you have something to add to this story or something else we should report on? Email: zoe.ducklow@blackpress.ca