Cumbria’s High Sheriff has moved to reassure people living in Penrith and Keswick that her confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis came weeks after she visited both towns.
Julie Barton has been on an official tour of the county in recent weeks which included a visit to Keswick in September and to Penrith on October 3.
She also visited the Settle to Carlisle Line and Appleby in early September, touring the town with mayor Gareth Hayes.
“I tested positive for COVID this weekend after attending a family funeral on October 27th which was out of the county,” said Mrs Barton, who lives in Ulverston.
“I was alerted this weekend that other funeral guests had tested positive and as I was very mildly unwell, I took a COVID test too.
“At all times I have followed guidelines and my first priority when finding out was to inform anyone I had met who, according to guidelines, could be at risk.
“I sincerely hope no one else tests positive.”
Her husband, Peter, has also tested positive for coronavirus and displayed mild symptoms. The couple are now isolating.
The office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political royal appointment for a year and the origins of the office date back to Saxon times.
