Unable To Successfully Run 'func Host Start' To Test Azure Function

I'm trying to perform some local testing of a python azure function following the MSDN instructions here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-functions/functions-create-f

Solution 1:

I uninstalled Python 3.6.0 then installed python 3.6.8 in a virtual environment. Then uninstalled & re-installed azure-functions-core-tools in the same virtual environment which resolved the problem. Uninstallations & installations done via chocolatey in CMD. I also temporarily disabled Windows Defender real-time scans.