BELMONT, Miss. (WTVA) - Two public officials in Belmont say they got tested for the coronavirus after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for the illness.

One is Police Chief Donald Thomas, the other is Mayor Buddy Wiltshire.

“I feel great," Thomas said just hours after receiving the phone call he tested positive for COVID-19.

“After I found out about the two deaths, I wanted to take every precaution,” said Thomas.

Thomas says one of those two deaths is Lizzie Boyd, who was pictured alongside Thomas and Wiltshire at a church event on March 8.

Thomas said the other death is another church member, elder Burnell Hoyle, who attended the same event and also later died from the virus.

The event took place nearly two weeks before city leaders implemented any changes to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.

It’s still uncertain how Thomas picked up the virus.

But, he said after Boyd's daughter told him he could be at risk, Thomas immediately contacted Wiltshire and the two of them didn’t waste any time.

"In our positions, meeting the public, we felt like it still wouldn’t be a bad idea to go get tested,” said Wiltshire

Wiltshire’s test came back negative but he said Thomas’ positive test is a hard reminder for everyone to keep their distance.

Related - Belmont police chief tests positive for coronavirus

“We’re still not sure that’s where he picked it up, that he would test positive,” said Wiltshire in a phone interview.

“Please everyone, limit your contact with other people, stay home,” he said.

Both Thomas and Wiltshire are self-quarantining for the next few weeks to be safe.

Wiltshire is urging everyone to abide by the CDC's guidelines and stay at least east 6 feet away from each other at all times and not gather in groups larger than 10.