Virginia Beach councilman John Moss tests positive for coronavirus

Virginia Beach — Virginia Beach Councilman John Moss has tested positive for coronavirus.

He revealed his diagnosis on Facebook on Monday. He said he developed a persistent, severe cough one week ago — which he initially thought stemmed from a recent flu shot — but did not have any other symptoms.

His wife convinced him to get tested for COVID-19, which he “thought was a waste of time given my lack of symptoms.” When reached by phone Monday afternoon, Moss said he was mowing his lawn.

“To surprise the test came back positive,” he wrote. “Now true it could be false positive, but there is no way of knowing. I have not coughed in two days.”

Moss, 66, said he will stay in isolation for 10 days from his diagnosis. In January 2019, Moss was hospitalized for pneumonia.

“It is no secret that I am very susceptible to bronchitis that often evolves to pneumonia,” said Moss, adding that his COVID-19 symptoms haven’t been as bad as he would have expected. “...Given my susceptibility to pneumonia I do take all respiratory threats very seriously.”

Moss was present the last time the council met in person on Sept. 22 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and sat next to Barbra Henley. He said he has not had in-person contact with city staff or council members since that meeting. His cough began late last week.

Moss plans to participate remotely in Tuesday’s council meeting, which will take place in City Council chambers at City Hall.

Council members have been taking off their masks to speak into their individual microphones.

Alissa Skelton, 757-995-9043, alissa.skelton@pilotonline.com.