KITCHENER -- The head of Waterloo Region's local government has announced that she has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

In a video on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, Regional Chair Karen Redman said she has been in isolation since Dec. 24 following possible exposure to the disease through a family member.

Redman said she initially tested negative, but developed mild symptoms and went back for a second test, which was positive.

She said her symptoms are mild and she remains in self-isolation.

"This is a critical time for our community," said Redman. "I hope everyone adheres to public health guidelines and I thank everyone in the region who is adhering to them and I hope everyone stays safe."

In the video, Redman said she's grateful that she's able to perform her job from home and thanked essential and front-line workers who need to leave their homes for work.

The region wasn't able to confirm if the family member was in Redman's immediately household or not.

"I'm unable to speak to this," said TJ Flynn with the Region of Waterloo. "We're asking media to give Chair Redman some time over the coming days."

Redman is the first regional employee to report a COVID-19 diagnosis.

It's not known how long she will need to remain in self-isolation.