Trump’s Mar-a-Lago is partially closed due to outbreak of COVID-19
Former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach has been partially closed after staff members tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
That’s according to several people, including one familiar with club operations, who said Mar-aLago had “partially closed” a section of the club and quarantined some of its workers “out of an abundance of caution.” The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation by name.
An email sent to members said that service had been temporarily suspended in the club’s dining room and at its beach club because some staff members had recently tested positive. It said the club had undertaken “all appropriate response measures,” including sanitizing affected areas, and that banquet and event services remain open. “The health and safety of our members and staff is our highest priority,” it read.
The Florida Department of Health did not immediately respond to a phone call and email.
Trump moved to Mar-aLago after leaving Washington in January and has spent the weeks since then laying low, golfing, dining with friends, meeting with Republican leaders and plotting his political future as he considers running again in 2024.
Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19 last fall and has since been vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease.
The club in Palm Beach has been a flurry of activity in recent weeks, hosting events and fundraisers, including one to benefit 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 that violated an ordinance requiring employees and guests to wear masks. Video of the party posted online by Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., showed that few of the 500 guests wore masks as they crowded the dance floor while rapper Vanilla Ice, Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love and singer Taylor Dayne performed. The club was told future violations would result in fines of $15,000.
The former president was not at the party.