North Stonington — First Selectman Mike Urgo confirmed Thursday that he is recovering from COVID-19 after testing positive last Saturday for the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Urgo said he began experiencing symptoms, which he attributed to allergies from working in his yard. At the time he said he had not been in Town Hall for a few days. He said he experienced shortness of breath and fatigue but is now starting to feel better. 

Urgo said the symptoms began just a few days after receiving his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is typically not enough time to provoke the full immune response. However, he said he believes his symptoms have been milder because he had received the vaccine and his body had begun an immune response. 

"I'm happy to share my story if it helps people get vaccinated," he said. "The positives of the vaccine outweigh any drawbacks." 

Urgo attended Monday's annual town meeting remotely. 

He said he was not sure how he contracted the virus, as he had been diligent about wearing a mask, social distancing and keeping his contacts low. He said there have not been any other cases in Town Hall.

j.wojtas@theday.com