Chief of Staff Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst is latest among PMO staff to fall victim to virus

COVID-19 infections continue to plague the Prime Minister’s Office, with the Chief of Staff now having tested positive.

Reports say that Ambassador Lionel “Max” Hurst has contracted the virus and has been placed in isolation.

Hurst reportedly tested positive through a Rapid Antigen test on Wednesday morning, January 19, and a PCR test was subsequently administered.  He is awaiting the results of that test, which he should have by the end of this week.

Hurst is fully vaccinated and reportedly received his booster shot weeks ago.  He reportedly has no symptoms, and close relatives –

including a sister with whom he resides – have tested negative for the virus.

He is said to have told another media house that his co-workers have been tested, as well, and are negative.

Four Cabinet ministers, along with the Cabinet Secretary, were stricken with the virus, but have reportedly recovered and were cleared to return to work.

At least seven workers in the Prime Minister’s Office have tested positive for the virus.