KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo City Manager Jim Ritsema tested positive for COVID 19 on Thursday morning, according to the city.
“Currently, I am experiencing mild symptoms and will be self-isolating until I am cleared by medical professionals,” Ritsema said. “Fortunately, I’ve been working primarily remotely throughout the pandemic and have not been at the office since Tuesday, Oct. 6. I have been working closely with the Kalamazoo County Health Department and following their guidance and recommendations.”
Ritsema’s symptoms are currently mild and he is following all necessary protocols for quarantine, a news release said.
He’s also working with the health department to help with contact tracing.
Anyone who was a close contact will be notified by the health department as part of a COVID-19 investigation process and asked to quarantine.
All workspaces Ritsema occupied have been cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines.