Braintree Mayor Charles Kokoros Tests Positive For Coronavirus

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree Mayor Charles Kokoros has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Kokoros told Patch he was tested Wednesday after receiving information that he may have been exposed to COVID-19. He got his results Friday, and since then, all staff and others in close contact with Kokoros tested negative for the virus.

After testing positive, Kokoros reminded residents that the coronavirus pandemic is not over, despite the number of new cases continuing to decline in Braintree. As of Tuesday afternoon, Braintree has 867 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 90 deaths.

"It's an example that anyone can catch it," Kokoros said. "It's very contagious. I mean I wore masks, gloves and everything I can to protect myself."

"The only way we can prevent the spread is by practicing social distancing, wearing masks and keeping our hands clean and we must continue coming together by staying apart to protect ourselves and those around us," Kokoros added in a statement. "Please stay vigilant as we reopen our businesses and rejoin our community for social activities. I want you to remain COVID-19 free."

Kokoros has been in self-quarantine since he first started showing symptoms. The mayor said he's doing better and is recovering from home while he works, but the disease is nothing to mess around with.

He said the headaches and congestion have been more severe than any other sickness he's experienced.

"It's very different from any other virus or cold you can ever have," Kokoros told Patch. "No one is immune to this, and it's a terrible experience for sure."