FL Senator, Miami Mayors 'Self-Quarantine' For Coronavirus

MIAMI, FL — The mayors of Florida's largest city, its most populous county and one of the state's two U.S. senators said in separate announcements Thursday they have voluntarily decided to self-quarantine themselves after meeting with Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro during his recent visit to Florida.

Bolsonaro's press secretary, Fabio Wajngarten, tested positive for the new coronavirus after accompanying his president on the Florida visit, which included a stop at President Donald Trump's Mar-A-Lago resort.

"I feel healthy, strong and more than capable of doing my job as mayor," Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said in a video message posted on social media. "As such I will continue to lead our government remotely to ensure our operations run smoothly and efficiently."

Suarez, who has young children, said he was in the same room as the infected staff member when the president visited Miami on Monday and Tuesday. The mayor said he does not believe he interacted with the infected staff member.

"Fortunately, we have been actively planning for this scenario to ensure the continuity of operations for employees citywide," Suarez said. "The safety and well being of our residents and staff continues to be my sole focus."

Sen. Rick Scott said he was notified by the Brazilian embassy Thursday that Bolsonaro's press secretary tested positive for coronavirus.

Scott, Florida's immediate past governor, also met with Brazil's president Monday in Miami though he said he does not believe he interacted with the infected staff member.

"The embassy said the person had no symptoms leading up to, or the day of the conference," Scott said.

He said he made the decision to self-quarantine after consulting with the Senate's attending physician and his personal doctor.

"I have been told that my risk is low, and I don't need to take a test or quarantine," the senator said. "However, the health and safety of the American people is my focus and I have made the decision to self-quarantine in an abundance of caution."

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez made the announcement of his possible exposure after Thursday's joint press conference with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jeanette M. Nuñez in Miami.

"I’m currently self-isolating as I await the Florida Health Department’s recommendation as to whether I need to be tested," Gimenez said.

President Trump had dinner with Bolsonaro at Mar-A-Lago and was pictured standing near the infected staff member.

"I'm not concerned. He was there, but we did nothing very unusual," Trump told reporters.