West Hollywood Mayor John D'Amico Tests Positive for COVID-19

West Hollywood Mayor John D'Amico has tested positive for COVID-19, and is currently self-isolating in his home for up to two weeks.

According to reports, the well-respected mayor did not attend a city council meeting on Monday and instead participated over the phone, saying he wasn't feeling well. Two days later, he announced he tested positive for COVID-19.

City manager Paul Arevalo sent all staff members home following the news, and facilities have since been closed to the public and staff as they undergo sanitation measures as a precaution.

D'Amico, who is also living with HIV, has been a public servant for several decades. He's been a prominent fixture in the city for over 25 years, having been a member of Advisory Boards and Commissions, as well as a member of the city council.

As a project manager, D'Amico played a vital role in large-scale projects for UCLA, ABC, the Walt Disney Studios, and more. A former co-director of policy and planning at AIDS Project Los Angeles, he oversaw the renovation and construction of over 300 affordable housing units at Los Angeles Housing Partnership, according to the City of West Hollywood's website.

"The City of West Hollywood has been notified that one of its West Hollywood City Hall family members has tested positive for COVID-19. West Hollywood Mayor John D'Amico received word this afternoon from his healthcare provider that his COVID-19 test came back positive and he immediately informed West Hollywood City Manager Paul Arevalo," the city said in a statement.

"City Manager Paul Arevalo issued an immediate order for all staff members to leave work. City Facilities have been closed to the public and staff who can work remotely are being transitioned to work-from-home schedules for continuity. All City facilities will undergo immediate sanitization procedures."

The statement continued, "The Mayor is taking every precaution as directed by his physician and public health directives. He is home resting and practicing an abundance of self-care. His husband is doing fine and is doing his part to quarantine at home with Mayor D'Amico. To facilitate their household's focus on wellness, the Mayor is asking for privacy at this time."

Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a "Stay at Home" order that will be put into effect immediately across the state. That includes temporary closures of dine-in restaurants, bars and nightclubs, entertainment venues, gyms and fitness studios, public events and gatherings, and convention centers.

However, essential services will remain open -- such as gas stations, pharmacies, food/convenience stories, take-out and delivery restaurants, banks, and laundromats.

WeHoville reported that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated that 11 confirmed COVID-19 cases are in West Hollywood, giving the city the highest number of infections as a percentage of population of any city or neighborhood measured by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the health departments of Long Beach and Pasadena.

Recent data from the state's health department shows there are 675 positive cases and 16 COVID-related deaths in California.