ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is self-quarantining after being exposed to someone who recently tested positive for the coronavirus.
Dyer was unable to attend Monday’s COVID-19 news briefing along with other Orange County leaders, including Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, because he is in self-quarantine.
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Demings said Dyer was exposed amid one of the events marking the 100th year after the Ocoee Massacre that took place on Election Day in 1920. One such event was attended by Democratic State Rep. Geraldine Thompson, who announced over the weekend she had contracted the virus.
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The Orange County mayor said with Dyer in quarantine, it is an important reminder that the virus “is still alive and well here within this community."
Thompson’s office confirmed on Saturday she had been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Thompson was set to attend the Last Masonic Rites Ceremony for July Perry and a ceremony to mark the unveiling of a sign designating a portion of State Road 438 as the July Perry Memorial Highway but had to cancel due to her diagnosis.
“I am experiencing moderate symptoms and will be quarantining at home. I have worked on appropriately honoring July Perry for almost two decades and am deeply saddened that I cannot be present for the road designation, which resulted from legislation I introduced last session,” Thompson said Saturday.
Dyer said in a statement he found out last week he was exposed to the virus. He tested negative on Monday but remains in quarantine.
“I am feeling well at the moment and continue to exhibit no symptoms,” Dyer said. “Knowing that it can sometimes take days to test positive, during this time I will continue to self-quarantine and work to serve our city from home to limit my interactions with others and prevent potentially unknowingly spreading the virus.”
Dyer said his experience is “an unfortunate reminder to all of us, that the virus is still very much active and spreading throughout our community" and asked everyone to continue to wash their hands, wear a mask and keep their distance.
Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz also announced over the weekend he tested positive for COVID-19.
“This week, I tested positive, as I was obviously exposed sometime this past week,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “I am feeling well and do not have any symptoms but of course will be quarantining and in isolation. My team and I have been notifying those I’ve been around for their safety and health.”
Check back for updates on this developing story.