Walker diagnosed with COVID-19

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker remains at home today recovering from a breakthrough case of COVID-19.

Walker said he became symptomatic on Saturday and was tested on Monday. He’ll be in quarantine until July 26. Walker was vaccinated earlier this year. He said Wednesday he doesn’t know where he might have contracted the virus or if it’s the now-prevalent Delta variant.

He’s being treated with an anti-biotic Zithromax Z-Pak and said he’s feeling better.

“I’m just extremely tired,” he said.

He said his symptoms have included fever, congestion and a cough.

“It feels like a bad, bad, bad sinus infection,” Walker said.

Breakthrough cases — defined as instances in which a person receives a positive COVID-19 test result at least 14 days after the final dose of any COVID-19 vaccine series — are to be expected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Earlier this month, the Louisiana Department of Health reported approximately 1,600 breakthrough cases statewide.

Walker said he isn’t considering reinstating COVID mitigation measures at City Hall yet. But he is urging anyone not yet vaccinated to get the shot.

“I got COVID, but I had the vaccine, so I don’t think it’s nearly as bad as if I hadn’t had the vaccine,” he said.

Walker said his experience is evidence that COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared, and that people should continue to take precautions.

“I’ll be fine,” Walker said. “I think if nothing else, we all need to be more vigilant. It’s not over.”