WASHINGTON (AP) – Former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, has been partially shut down after staff members tested positive for the coronavirus.
This is according to several people, including one familiar with club activities, who said Mar-a-Lago had “partially closed” a section of the club and quarantined some of its workers “out of caution.” The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation by name.
In an email sent to members, it is said that the service has been temporarily suspended in the club’s dining room and at the beach club because some staff members recently tested positive. The club said the club had undertaken ‘all appropriate response measures’, including the disinfection of affected areas, and that banquet and event services would remain open.
“The health and safety of our members and staff is our highest priority,” it said.
The Florida Department of Health did not immediately respond to a call and email.
Trump moved to Mar-a-Lago after leaving Washington in January, and has been lying low for weeks, playing golf, eating with friends, meeting with Republican party leaders and planning his political future as he considers retiring in 2024. run.
Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19 last fall and has since been vaccinated against the virus.
Mar-a-Lago was the site of its first known exposure more than a year ago. A senior Brazilian official tested positive last year after spending time at Mar-a-Lago, where he posed for a photo next to Trump and attended a family birthday party.
The Trump White House was hit with several subsequent outbreaks after it violated viruses by resisting wearing masks and holding big events.
The club in Palm Beach has hosted a spate of activities over the past few weeks, offering events and fundraisers, including one that benefits rescue dogs. Trump unexpectedly dropped by the event last week.
In January, Palm Beach County issued a warning to Mar-a-Lago’s management after a New Year’s Eve party violating a ordinance requiring employees and guests to wear masks. The video of the party posted online by Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., showed that few of the 500 guests wore masks while crowding on the dance floor, while rapper Vanilla Ice, the co-founder of Beach Boys, Mike Love and singer Taylor Dayne performed. The club was told that future violations would result in fines of $ 15,000.
The former president was not at the party. ___
Spencer reported from Fort Lauderdale. Associated Press author Zeke Miller contributed to this report.