Four recent visitors to President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago have tested positive for coronavirus, but the club isn’t shutting down.
In a letter to Mar-a-Lago members, club director Bernd Lembcke said cleaning would increase, as would the number of bottles of hand sanitizer.
“We want to assure you of our proactive efforts so that the club remains your private escape from the outside world as your ‘home-away-from-home,’ ” Lembcke wrote. “We will continue to operate without disruption.”
After attending a birthday party for the girlfriend of President Trump’s oldest son on March 7, three top Brazilian officials later tested positive for COVID-19, according to statements they have released.
The fourth visitor to test positive was an unidentified donor, according to Republican Party officials, who was one of roughly 1,000 others at a recent luncheon at Mar-a-Lago hosted by Trump Victory.
After being exposed to two of the Brazilian officials who tested positive for coronavirus, President Trump said Saturday he had tested negative.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced he had tested positive after meeting with one of the Brazilian officials. Others in attendance at the March 7 party, including Rep. Matthew Gaetz (R-Fla.), have voluntarily quarantined themselves.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has undergone several tests for the coronavirus, after being seated at a table with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Despite remaining open, the club has had one big event called off with plans to reschedule. An estimated 700 people were slated to attend the Wine, Women and Shoes luncheon on Thursday before organizers of one of Mar-a-Lago’s biggest daytime galas announced they were canceling. The event benefits the local Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
“The well being of our incredible supporters, vendors and staff is paramount with the new information prompting us to reschedule,” said Lauree Simmons, founder of the animal rescue group, noting the decision was made after the number of coronavirus cases in the state rose.
Contributing: Associated Press, Palm Beach Post
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