After 14 days, Miami-Dade mayor ready to end home quarantine from coronavirus scare

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez plans to end his home quarantine Monday, 14 days after possible coronavirus exposure from a top aide to Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on March 9.

As the county’s top administrator, Gimenez has overseen an unprecedented emergency response in Miami-Dade and used emergency powers to issue closure orders for large swaths of the county’s economy.

On Sunday afternoon, Gimenez confirmed that he since had contact with Brazil press secretary Fabio Wajngarten “14 days ago Monday,” he’s cleared to finally end his self-isolation that day. The 66-year-old mayor tested negative for COVID-19 but was still asked by state health authorities to remain in self-isolation for 14 days.

Gimenez has been issuing announcements using YouTube videos, unable to address cameras during the coronvirus crisis. He probably won’t be leading in-person crisis meetings typical for a hurricane. Gimenez’s top aides are avoiding personal contact and conducting meetings by phone and video conference.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, 42, attended the same Bolsonaro event, but he later tested positive for COVID-19. Suarez was unavailable for comment on when he may be able to end his self-isolation at home.