Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says he is and his family are currently stuck overseas in Jordan and that they will self-isolate themselves for 14 days when they can return home.
"We've done everything we can to leave early, but we're in Jordan, and the country has announced as of March 17, all flights to and from Jordan and Oman has been cancelled," he explained over the phone to reporters during a news conference at Windsor City Hall. "That's put a huge rush on demand on every seat that's on an airplane out. So, we're stuck on our regular flight, which leaves very early Monday morning."
Dilkens left March 6, before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
"I don't think that anyone could have reasonably foreseen the situation," he added.
Dilkens said the population of Jordan is 10-million, and there is one confirmed case of COVID-19. It is not on the list of countries under a travel advisory.
Despite his absence, Dilkens insisted he is still working.
"I've done a whole lot more work in the last three or four days, and I certainly don't regret it," he said. "I will absolutely continue to be involved."
Dilkens released a statement on his Facebook page Saturday afternoon:
"…New rules that went into place today now require my family and I to self-isolate for 14 days upon our return. Although I (and my family) feel great and have no symptoms of any illness, I will certainly follow the best advice of our medical professionals."
For Mayor Dilken's full statement, click the image below.
A statement from Windsor Mayor Drew on being stuck in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. 14 March 2020.
- With files from Adelle Loiselle.
