A northern MLA who tested positive for COVID-19 twice is imploring people to listen to public health advice and get vaccinated.

Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger said he got the virus for a second time early in the new year, months after his first diagnoses.

“I had some uncontrollable shakes. I didn’t lose my taste or smell. My headaches weren’t as severe. I had no appetite whatsoever. I had some fever for a couple of nights,” said Belanger comparing his symptoms of his second COVID infection to his first.

Belanger was vaccinated with Moderna, and credits the milder symptoms to the immunization.

“Both times were not pleasant, but the second time was a bit better,” he explained.

The long-time politician announced in December publicly that he first got infected.

After recovering Belanger received his first Moderna vaccine, to only two months later contracting the virus a second time.

Belanger said he self-isolated for 10 days. He spent much of the spring legislative session away from Regina, only return Monday for the final week.

“There are thousands of health professionals that give us this really solid advice. We need to heed their advice in their warnings. You cannot tell me that all the health professionals in this province and in this country in this world are all conspiring to prop up this COVID-19 theory that some of these crazy folks have regarding the vaccine. My advice, listen to the health professional, get vaccinated,” Belanger stressed.