Several San Diego leaders test positive for COVID-19 after lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. – The San Diego Union-Tribune

SAN DIEGO

Several business leaders and city officials, including three San Diego City Council members, tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after returning from a four-day lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., that was organized by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and Councilmember Jennifer Campbell all tested positive after returning home March 30.

Chamber officials sent an email to the more than 140 business and civic leaders who made the trip warning them they could be at risk.

It has come to our attention that there have been delegates who have tested positive for COVID since returning home from D.C., the email says. We are letting all delegation trip participants know so that you can take appropriate action, including testing and symptom monitoring, to protect yourself and any close contacts.

In an email Monday afternoon, chamber Chief Executive Jerry Sanders said the chamber maintained strict adherence to all COVID-19 protocols on the trip.

As we adapt to life in a world that includes COVID, this is a reminder of our new reality and it reinforces the importance of vaccines in our ability to resume more regular activities and continue moving forward, Sanders said.

Elo-Rivera said on Twitter that his symptoms have felt like a nasty cold. A spokesperson for Whitburn said he is experiencing mild symptoms. Campbells chief of staff said she is not feeling too great.

The goal of the trip was lobbying federal officials for help with local infrastructure projects, upgrades to the U.S.-Mexico border and economic initiatives.

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Several San Diego leaders test positive for COVID-19 after lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. - The San Diego Union-Tribune