'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
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.