Watch CBS News

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Announces She's Tested Positive For COVID

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has announced she's tested positive for the coronavirus.

The mayor and her husband are quarantining at home. She said they've only experienced mild symptoms.

"We have cold symptoms: sniffles, runny nose, cough, a little fatigue – him more than me," she told CBS4. "And hopefully we will continue with mild symptoms."

Levine Cava said she started experiencing symptoms on Sunday when she returned home from a camping trip at the Everglades with her husband.

"We had a very rigorous trip. And we did not feel sick at all. Sunday, we started to feel both of us a little sick," she said.

The mayor contracted the virus from her husband, Dr. Robert Cava, who was exposed by a patient on Wednesday.

That same day, Levine Cava was at a turkey distribution event.

She said she was not with her husband until later that night.

The mayor mentioned they were not accompanied by anyone else on their getaway. She added that she didn't contract the virus at any of her prior events as she has followed CDC guidelines.

"We believe that we have taken all the proper precautions. But I'm sure we can all double down and I think that is true for everyone," she said.

MORE FROM CBSMIAMI.COM
Gov. DeSantis Announces Florida Schools To Remain Open In Spring
Dozens Of Skimmers Found At Florida Gas Stations
Palm Tree & Bush Break 2-Year-Old Girl Fall From 4th Floor Window

Levine Cava has urged holiday travelers to follow CDC guidelines, and continues to stress the importance of COVID testing.

"If you have any of the symptoms associated with COVID, it is COVID until proven otherwise," she said.

Levine Cava, 65, assumed office Nov. 17 after being elected earlier in the month. The Democrat had previously served as a county commissioner since 2014.

Levine Cava's predecessor, Congressman-elect Carlos Gimenez, tested positive for coronavirus last week. The Republican is set to assume his new office Jan. 3.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.