MIAMI — Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, four days after the mayor attended a Miami event with a Brazilian government official who later tested positive for the virus.

Suarez confirmed the positive test Friday morning in an interview with the Miami Herald.

“It is confirmed that I have the coronavirus,” Suarez said. “I did test positive for it.”

Suarez said he is feeling healthy and strong, though his concern lies with those who have been in his close proximity in recent days.

“I’m concerned for people who have had some measure of contact with me,” he said.

He issued a statement early Friday asking those who have interacted with him to take precautions.

“If we did not shake hands or you did not come into contact with me if I coughed or sneezed, there is no action you need to take whatsoever,” he said. “If we did, however, touch or shake hands, or if I sneezed or coughed near you since Monday, it is recommended that you self-isolate for 14 days, but you do not need to get tested. After speaking with medical personnel, I will continue to follow Department of Health protocol and remain isolated while I lead our government remotely.”

The mayor was present at Thursday’s commission meeting, seated on the dais between City Attorney Victoria Méndez and City Manager Art Noriega for much of the morning. Top-level city administrators who were in close contact with the mayor have been told to self-isolate. Government workers who do not need to be physically present at city offices are being told to work from home.

Suarez was one of several politicians, including Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Sen. Rick Scott and President Donald Trump, who interacted with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his staff during a visit to South Florida last week. The mayor went into isolation Thursday after learning that one of Bolsonaro’s staffers tested positive.

Fabio Wajngarten, press secretary to Bolsonaro, tested positive on Thursday. Before learning of the Bolsonaro aide’s positive test and isolating himself, Suarez was scheduled to declare a state of emergency for the city of Miami at the conference. After leaving City Hall later Thursday afternoon, he was taken to be tested, at the request of health officials.

Then Suarez went to his Coconut Grove home, where he planned to self-isolate for two weeks while his wife and children stay with extended family.

Early Friday, Gimenez confirmed he tested negative for COVID-19. He said he plans to remain self-isolated for up to 14 days.

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