City candidate Ed Book receives backlash for attending event despite COVID diagnosis

A candidate for the Gainesville City Commission campaigned over the weekend at an event attended by hundreds while knowingly being diagnosed with coronavirus days earlier.

Ed Book, police chief at Santa Fe College and District 2 candidate, told one of his opponents at the annual early voting Souls to the Polls event that he had COVID-19.

With the exception of someone who asked directly, Book didn’t share his diagnosis with other candidates or constituents who greeted him with handshakes, or with those who asked to pose for pictures. Though he brought a mask to his table, he didn’t wear one.

Guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention were updated last week to remove social distancing and quarantining for those who come in close contact with someone who tests positive. Those who test positive, however, are still recommended to isolate themselves at home for at least five days.

Book, 58, did not return calls for comment Monday.

Souls to the Polls is a major early-voting event held in Alachua County before the primary election. The Sunday event brought out a trove of local voters, activists, candidates seeking office and elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist.

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Ed Book says he was cautious; photos show him shaking hands, mingling

Book contends that he was cautious while in attendance. On Facebook, he defended his appearance by saying the event was outdoors. He has since deleted his comments on a thread that criticized his decision.

“I did not shake hands & distanced except for brief pics,” he wrote on Facebook. “I would never jeopardize anyone's health nor wellbeing at work, home, or especially for a campaign.”

Photos, however, show Book mingling with constituents and other candidates, shaking hands and fist bumping with some. At one point, he took the stage and spoke into a microphone to address the crowd.

Earlier that day, Book canceled an event at a church because it was indoors. He said he had a scratchy throat Friday morning and went to the doctor that day to find his diagnosis. His vaccination status is unclear.

“You fully came over when we were setting up and were talking very closely to us,” wrote Gainesville resident Joi Rose. “You also did this to me yesterday in front of Millhopper. I have a young child at home whom has health issues. I get that being outside without masks can be risky, especially during campaign season with so many people around. HOWEVER, if you are positive for COVID then you should be responsible and stay home. You should not be around other folks and risk their health with your own. Outside or not, I do not appreciate you putting myself, my family, and others at risk.”

Other candidates have been hit with the virus this election cycle, causing many to temporarily halt their campaigns. Mayoral candidates David Arreola and Harvey Ward had to quarantine in May after three commissioners tested positive.

“I’m honestly stunned,” School board candidate Sarah Rockwell wrote to Book. “We were discussing at the ACEL event how he understands my need to mask indoors to keep my daughter safe because he has a high risk family member. To come to a crowded event while sick with COVID without even wearing a mask is irresponsible and shows a total lack of respect for those of us who are high risk or have high risk family members.”

Coronavirus is still circulating around the nation, and in the Sunshine State where thousands continue to be diagnosed weekly.

Since the pandemic began, more than 80,000 people locally have been infected with the virus, though the number is likely higher due to increased at-home testing.

State COVID-19 data shows more than 700 people have also died in Alachua County.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Santa Fe Police Chief Ed Book attends Souls to Polls event with COVID