Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson tests positive for Covid-19 after reporting on first 100 days in office

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson is isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

The mayor's office says Mayor Johnson took an at-home Covid test shortly after a news conference Friday, which produced a positive result.

The mayor will isolate himself in the upcoming days as recommended by the CDC. He did not test positive until Friday afternoon.

He's said to be experiencing "very mild" symptoms, but his office didn't share that information with reporters ahead of Friday's event.

Mayor Johnson has been tested on "at least five occasions this week," according to the mayor's office. 

"Being in this position it's a very complex job and there's so many pressures facing the city. I'm eager to continue to do this work because it's important to the people we serve," said Johnson.

Prior to entering Covid protocols, Johnson said the biggest issues the city faces today are public safety and reckless driving.

"I don't, the city does not control gun law. And I think that's important to state because people come to me and expect me to solve the issue myself, from this office as mayor. But it's just not how it works," he said.

The mayor emphasized his important efforts to make connections to state legislators in Madison to work towards gun reform.

He says his office has been involved with local organizations -- like Camp Rise -- to steer children away from the streets.

That also loops in with car thefts. When talking about the Kia boys, the mayor says he's been in talks with the District Attorney's Office in terms of the right punishment.

"I have had conversations with the district attorney. I have been in touch with the district attorney since I've been in the mayor's office and I've said to him, in rooms with him, that my expectation is that when somebody causes death, harm or destruction in this community, that they are held responsible," said Johnson.

Although Milwaukee car thefts still persist, the number of incidents have decreased from last year.

The mayor says he is proud of investing millions in street designs to protect pedestrians when it comes to reckless driving, and adding additional traffic control on the streets.

The mayor says tackling the issues of gun violence and reckless driving won't be easy, but he will continue with his efforts.