Syracuse Common Councilor Khalid Bey, the Democratic candidate for mayor this year, has tested positive for COVID-19, his campaign said Monday. He has been in quarantine since Aug. 9, and has paused all campaign activities until Aug. 24, when his 14-day quarantine ends.
In a statement, Bey urged anyone who hasn't been vaccinated to get the shot.
"The vaccine will save lives and protect our friends and neighbors, especially those who are immunocompromised or are too young to receive the vaccine," he said. "It’s as simple as that."
Bey, however, has not been vaccinated against COVID-19. His campaign said that when the vaccine became available his doctors "advised against him taking the vaccine before further studies could be done on his pre-existing condition that puts him at high risk of a potential severe reaction to the vaccine."
Bey has previously said that he had a severe reaction to prescription medication when he was younger.
His campaign said his doctors have now cleared him to receive the vaccine, and he plans to get the shot when he recovers.
