Surprise Mayor Skip Hall, councilman test positive for coronavirus

PHOENIX – Surprise Mayor Skip Hall said Tuesday he had tested positive for the coronavirus and was self-quarantined at home for the next week.

Councilman David Sanders reportedly said after the meeting he also had tested positive for the virus.

Hall, 74, made his announcement in a phone call at the start of the city council’s regularly scheduled meeting, which was posted live on Facebook.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there tonight, I tested positive for COVD-19 today so I’m going to be out of pocket for next 10 days,” Hall said.

He and Sanders remained on the line for the meeting, voting on agenda items.

Vice Mayor Chris Judd told the West Valley-based Daily Independent he had no idea that was why he had been asked to run the session.

Judd said Hall knew he had been exposed to the virus recently, according to the news site, which also reported Sanders made his announcement after the meeting was over.

Arizona health department officials announced Wednesday there were 1,827 new coronavirus cases, the second-highest single-day reported total.

The number of cases reported in the state has been rising since a stay-at-home order was lifted last month.

Gov. Doug Ducey and state health experts said people should wear face masks in public to reduce the spread of the virus when physical distancing of at least 6 feet can’t be maintained.

Surprise council members sat with two chairs between them and Councilman Roland Winters worse a mask throughout the meeting.

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