Mayor-Elect Ken Welch's Positive COVID-19 Results Causes Public Ceremony To Be Canceled

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The in-person inauguration ceremony for mayor-Elect Ken Welch scheduled Thursday has been canceled after he tested positive for COVID-19 Monday, a news release said.

Instead, Welch will be sworn-in virtually on Thursday from home. He will also provide a short speech virtually.

“Let this serve as a reminder to all of us to get vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” Welch said. “While this is disappointing, I am incredibly thankful that my current symptoms are not serious, and I keep in my thoughts and prayers all the families who have lost so much more to this pandemic. Though we will not be able to celebrate in person, let us keep front of mind the significance of the day – the day that we begin a journey together, as one community in one city, toward inclusive progress. We will have much more to celebrate together in the years to come.”

Welch, who has been vaccinated and did get a booster in November, first tested positive Monday morning using a home kit, his media team said. A second PCR test later in the day was also positive.

Welch will also announce several senior staff members who will join his administration Thursday.

His media team will release more details about how and when to view the virtual swearing-in ceremony. Patch will keep you updated.