'This couldn't have been predicted': CTV's Stefan Keyes positive for COVID-19 while in South Africa
CTV Ottawa's Stefan Keyes has tested positive for COVID-19 while in South Africa.
The weekend news anchor and reporter told the CTV News at Six that he took a PCR test on Sunday and he tested positive.
Keyes had travelled to South Africa for a wedding but, while there, the Omicron variant was formally identified and countries around the world, including Canada, began to bar travellers from the region. Keyes said that he took the test in advance of a planned flight out of the country, and later learned he had COVID-19.
"I did take the test prior to the wedding, so I know that I did not catch it at the wedding," he said. "That's also another unfortunate development for me because that means that I unknowingly attended the wedding with it."
He said everyone who was at the wedding, including himself, is in isolation. He's been asked to isolate for at least 10 days in Cape Town.
Last week, Keyes said he had intended to find a way to return to Canada as countries were shutting their borders, but then news of his positive test result came in.
Keyes said he developed mild symptoms Monday, but was fine the entire trip beforehand.
"I woke up feeling a little off, but then I kind of shook it off a little bit. Then I realized I may have had a low-grade fever and my throat started to be a little itchy," he said. "I'm not completely down for the count. I don't feel fatigued or achy."
He said he has had some coughing fits and is watching the situation carefully.
His test has only said COVID-19 was detected, but he suspects he's contracted the new Omicron variant.
"My test only says COVID detected but I suspect it's the Omicron variant because we've been very diligent while we're here. We mask up indoors, we've been dining outdoors because it's summertime here. It was an outdoor wedding."
Keyes is unsure when he'll be able to return to Canada and to the airwaves.
"The longer we stay here, the harder it would be to get home," he said. "Upon arrival into Canada, I'll be asked to isolate again. Do the math, at least probably 24 days to a month that I could be away."
He says he made the choice to travel based on the best knowledge he had at the time. News of the variant developed quickly after his arrival in South Africa.
"This couldn’t have been predicted," he said. "I'm very knowledgeable about the pandemic and how it operates around the world, but this was a celebration of love for a fraternity brother I love deeply, and all of his guests are here out of love for that couple.
"We did everything right. I had a negative PCR test to come down here. The world had not shut down. The government did not advise us not to go on both sides across the Atlantic. Travelling right now is definitely a calculated risk and I got caught up in the mix."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.