Coronavirus pandemic: Lara Trump to host 700-person fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago in defiance of governor's warning
Amid the global scare over the coronavirus, now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, an animal rescue group is going ahead with its planned 700-person fundraiser featuring US President Donald Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump. Lara, who is married to President Trump’s son Eric, is an animal rights advocate.
According to reports, the Big Dog Ranch Rescue's annual Wine, Women & Shoes event is scheduled to go ahead. This, despite Florida's governor Ron DeSantis issuing a warning to limit gatherings of more than 250 people, in light of the pandemic.
The fundraiser will be held at Mar-a-Lago, a resort and national historic landmark in Palm Beach, Florida. The Palm Beach Post reported that a new date has not yet been set for the luncheon.
The report included a quote from event planner Chase Scott, that said, “The Mar-a-Lago Club meticulously follows all CDC recommendations including cleaning and sterilization of guest areas.” Scott further said that in addition to hand sanitizer stations and “as an additional precautionary measure”, upon check-in, guests will be encouraged to refrain from shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
So far, two cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Palm Beach County.
President Trump, despite learning that a Brazilian official who dined and was photographed with him and Vice President Mike Pence at the Mar-a-Lago last weekend was infected with the coronavirus, has declined to be tested. Reports, however, also suggest that President Trump plans to declare a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic.
In Palm Beach County, the International Red Cross Ball canceled a white-tie gala scheduled for March 20, amid panic over the pandemic. The Palm Beach International Boat Show, Palm Beach Book Festival and Palm Beach Pride celebration have also been canceled. The United States as of Friday had surpassed 1,700 confirmed or presumptive cases of the coronavirus, and the death toll climbed to 41.