/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tbt.s3.amazonaws.com/public/WKPASA6YRBEVFNGWBKKKRZWQIA.jpg "Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., center, looks back as he leaves a briefing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March, 12, 2020, on the coronavirus outbreak, as Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks to the media at left. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)")
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WASHINGTON — Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott announced Thursday he will self-quarantine after having possible contact with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro’s press secretary Fabio Wajngarten during a meeting in Florida this week.
Wajngarten also posed for a photo with President Donald Trump during his visit to Florida.
“My office was alerted today by the Brazilian Embassy that a member of President Bolsonaro’s delegation tested positive for coronavirus,” Scott said in a statement. “On Monday, I met with the president in Miami, and while I do not believe I interacted with the infected person, that individual was in the same room as me. The embassy said the person had no symptoms leading up to or the day of the conference.”
Scott said he is showing no symptoms of novel coronavirus.
“After consulting with the Senate’s attending physician and my personal doctor, I have been told that my risk is low, and I don’t need to take a test or quarantine,” Scott said. “However, the health and safety of the American people is my focus and I have made the decision to self-quarantine in an abundance of caution. I am feeling healthy and not experiencing any symptoms at this time. I will still be working on my plan to combat coronavirus and protect American families, and my offices in D.C. and throughout the state will still be fully operational to help Floridians.”
Scott canceled a Thursday press conference where he was supposed to outline his plan to deal with coronavirus. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who also met with Bolsonaro in Florida this week, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Tampa Bay Times coronavirus guide
Q&A: The latest and all your questions answered.
PROTECT YOURSELF: Household cleaners can kill the virus on most surfaces, including your phone screen.
BE PREPARED: Guidelines for essentials to keep in your home should you have to stay inside.
STOCK UP YOUR PANTRY: Foods that should always be in your kitchen, for emergencies and everyday life.
FACE MASKS: They offer some protection, but studies debate their effectiveness.
WORKPLACE RISK: A list of five things employers could be doing to help curb the spread of the disease.
READER BEWARE: Look out for bad information as false claims are spreading online.
OTHER CORONAVIRUS WEBSITES:
• CDC
• Florida Department of Health
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