‘I Was Anxious’: Mayor Tests Negative For COVID-19

Anxiety has turned into relief for Saint John’s mayor after a test for COVID-19 came back negative.

“I’ve never been so happy to have the flu,” Don Darling said in a phone interview Tuesday morning.

Darling has been in isolation since developing what he described as “mild symptoms” of the virus on Friday.

After requesting a test early Saturday, Darling said he was given an appointment for Sunday evening.

“I was anxious about that,” he said of the test. “I’m a bit of a baby, so you read about this big, long thing going up in your nostril and what’s that going to be like. It was very simple, very quick.”

Then came another wait. Darling was told it would be 24 to 36 hours before he found out whether the test was positive or negative.

Darling said he signed into his MyHealthNB online account around 4 a.m. Tuesday and saw the negative result.

Even though he is feeling relieved, Darling said he has felt shame ever since developing systems. He said he was worried about where he had been, who he had been in contact with and whether he had exposed them — despite following Public Health rules.

The mayor explained why he decided to speak publicly about being tested for the virus.

“It’s an anxious time. I think people are fearful,” said Darling. “I thought sharing openly to put a face to those that are being tested and those that are potentially positive with COVID to let folks know that none of us are immune here.”

Darling said he has been inspired by the resilience he has seen in the community throughout the pandemic.

But he said he is also saddened by the “tremendous hatred” witnessed since the Saint John region went back to the orange phase of recovery last week.

“Comparing leaders to Hitler, almost expecting tiki torches outside my door. Looking to shun people, witch-hunt, speculating.”

Darling said people need to be kind, patient, compassionate and generous to each other and vulnerable with how we are feeling.

He also encouraged anyone who experiences symptoms of COVID-19 to do what he did: self-isolate immediately and request a test through Public Health online or by calling 8-1-1.