Minister Marci Ien self-isolating after potential COVID-19 exposure at gala

Women and Gender Equality and Youth MinisterMarci Ienis self-isolating for COVID-19 after attending a gala event in Toronto earlier this week, according toher office.

Her staff said the Toronto Centre MPwent to the Giants of Africa gala Sunday and was laternotified that an attendee had tested positive.

"The minister was tested on the afternoon of Dec. 6, the evening of Dec. 6and on the morning of Dec. 7. All tests returned with a negative result," said press secretaryJohise Namwira.

Fellow attendee Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, who said he is fully vaccinated and has received a booster shot, announcedThursday he tested positive for the virus.

Namwira said the event organizers notified Ien and other attendees that daythat there may have been more COVID-19 cases linked to the gala and the minister then went into self-isolation.

The news was first reported by CTV.

In a statement,Ujiri said all the gala attendees had to show proof of vaccination and follow public health measures.