TAMPA, Fla. -- Two elected leaders representing Tampa Bay have tested positive for coronavirus.
According to a press release from the Hillsborough County Black Elected Officials on Friday, Tampa City Councilmember Orlando Gudes and Hillsborough County School Board member Tamara Shamburger both tested positive for the virus.
The press release said while the source of transmission is unknown, it is believed that Gudes and Shamburger both contracted the virus "while attending one of many meetings advocating for the civil rights of their constituents."
Gudes released the following statement in the press release:
“I’m thankful that I was alerted by Mayor Castor and was able to notify my colleagues from the Hillsborough County Black Elected Officials as well as my Tampa City Council members to advise each person to get tested. Without the Mayor’s notification, I probably would not have been tested because I do not have any symptoms of COVID-19. My parents are elderly and have health concerns and I’m thankful I was tested and learned my status so that I can keep them as healthy as possible.”
Shamburger sent the following statement in the same press release:
“Although I am saddened by my diagnosis, I am grateful that I do not have any of the symptoms of COVID-19 and am feeling relatively well. My exposure solidifies our continual need to take great precautions. This is very much still a real threat to our community and must be taken seriously. I urge everyone to protect themselves and stay home. School will be starting back soon and we need to make certain that we are protecting our children while still providing the correct educational environment for each child to succeed.”