Local

Local officials reacts to President’s positive COVID-19 test

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Representative Michael Waltz was one out of many local officials who were at the President’s campaign rally last week in Jacksonville.

He says that he was tested before he was allowed near the President, and even then the President wasn’t getting close to anyone.

“Everyone who is going to be in contact is tested beforehand. And he even tells you, keep your distance. He keeps the distance himself regardless,” Waltz said.

For Waltz, the biggest concern is one of national security rather than himself testing positive.

“I’m looking for a statement of reassurance, I think, today for the country, for markets, for our allies around the world, but also one to our adversaries that now is not the time to to try to mess with the U.S. Particularly for rogue states like Iran and North Korea,” Waltz said.

Waltz said that he will be taking a COVID-19 test today for the reassurance of his constituents, but that he feels fine and doesn’t have any symptoms. Mayor Lenny Curry, who was also at the rally, released a statement this morning that said he has not been in contact with anyone who has tested positive with COVID-19.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with President Trump and the First Lady and we wish them a speedy and full recovery. Mayor Curry has not been in close contact with anyone who is symptomatic or has tested positive for COVID-19,” Curry said.

Chad Nielsen, Infectious Disease Specialist at UF Health Jacksonville, said Friday morning on Jacksonville’s Morning News that he does not believe, if the president’s staff has been testing regularly, that anyone at the Jacksonville rally was exposed to COVID-19 through the President’s staff. He says the best case scenario for the President is that he can return to the campaign trail 10 days from positive test or first symptoms.

Second Lady Karen Pence did visit Jacksonville earlier this week to talk and visit with local veterans, however she and Vice President Mike Pence did state Friday morning they tested negative for COVID-19. Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond said they did follow all precautions when the Second Lady visited.

Many other state and local officials are wishing the President and the First Lady speedy recoveries.

Hannah Lee

Hannah Lee

Hannah Lee is a General Assignment Reporter for 104.5 WOKV.