Andrew Yang takes NYC mayoral campaign virtual after testing positive for coronavirus

‘I look forward to once again hitting the campaign trail and advancing a positive vision for our city’s future’

New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang will continue his campaign with virtual events after testing positive for Covid-19.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, Mr Yang said: “After testing negative as recently as this weekend, today I took a Covid rapid test and received a positive result.”

He added: “I am experiencing mild symptoms, but am otherwise feeling well and in good spirits. I will quarantine in accordance with public health guidelines and follow the advice of my doctor.”

The former tech entrepreneur’s campaign confirmed that he is in the process of notifying those who he has recently come in contact with as part of their contact tracing policy.

Mr Yang, who unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, went into quarantine last week after one of his staffers tested positive for coronavirus.

The staffer tested positive on 19 January, causing Mr Yang to suspend public appearances until 27 January, when he produced a negative test.

Mr Yang’s last campaign appearance was a walk with state assemblyman Kenny Burgos in the Bronx, his campaign said.

Although all of the mayoral forums and debates have been held virtually, Mr Yang has been engaging in outdoor public events in the weeks since he announced his candidacy.

Speaking out about future events, Mr Yang said that he “will continue to attend as many virtual events as possible, in addition to working with our incredible campaign team to continue our mission of getting New York City back on its feet.”

Mr Yang announced his candidacy for New York City mayor in early January, ahead of the Democratic primary that is scheduled for June. The general election will take place on 2 November 2021.

He is likely to be up against City comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn Borough president Eric Adams, former Citigroup executive Raymond McGuire and  former commissioner of the Department of Sanitation Kathryn Garcia.

Mr Yang has confirmed that as soon as he is able to, he will return to in-person events around the city, adding: “When the time is right, I look forward to once again hitting the campaign trail and advancing a positive vision for our city’s future.”

Since the start of the pandemic, New York City has recorded more than 613,000 coronavirus cases and at least 27,226 deaths.

According to Johns Hopkins University, there are now more than 26.3 million people who have tested positive for the coronavirus in the US. The death toll has reached 444,125.