Worcester City Manager Tests Positive For COVID

Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus, who was part of a press conference with Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito inside the DCU Center on Thursday, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Augustus, a former state senator, is currently in isolation at his home and roughly 20 people who have been identified as close contacts are also in quarantine, the city said in a statement.

Augustus said that he did not feel well when he woke up Tuesday morning, went to get tested, began to isolate himself, and got word Wednesday morning that he had tested positive.

He said city government will continue unaffected by his physical absence.

Gov. Charlie Baker was asked Wednesday about whether he may have had potential exposure by coming into contact with Augustus. He said he was confident that he had not because he was wearing a mask and was able to maintain adequate distance.

With additional reporting from the WBUR Newsroom