Donald and Melania Trump on January 20. Photo / AP
Donald and Melania Trump on January 20. Photo / AP
Former US president Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, has been partially closed after staff members tested positive for the coronavirus.
Several people, including one familiar with club operations, said Mar-a-Lago had quarantined some workers "out of an abundance of caution". The person spoke on condition of anonymitybecause they were not authorised to discuss the situation.
An email to members said service had been temporarily suspended in the club's dining room and at its beach club and the club had undertaken "all appropriate response measures, including sanitising 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.
Donald Trump moved to Mar-a-Lago after leaving Washington in January. Photo / AP
Trump moved to Mar-a-Lago after leaving Washington in January, and has spent the weeks since then laying low, golfing, dining with friends, meeting Republican Party leaders and plotting his political future as he considers running again in 2024.
Trump was hospitalised with Covid-19 last year and has since been vaccinated against the virus.
Mar-a-Lago was the site of his first known exposure more than a year ago. A senior Brazilian official tested positive last year after spending time at Mar-a-Lago, where he posed for a photo next to Trump and attended a family birthday party.
The Trump White House was hit with several subsequent outbreaks after it flouted virus precautions by resisting mask-wearing and continuing to hold large events.
The club in Palm Beach has had 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 jnr, 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 US$15,000 ($21,000).
The former president was not present at the party.
