ORLANDO, Fla. — Mayor Buddy Dyer is in self-isolation after coming into contact with someone who was exposed to a COVID-19 patient.

Dyer told Spectrum News 13 in a statement Saturday that he tested negative for COVID-19 after he was exposed earlier in the week to somebody who had tested positive for the virus.

"Knowing that it can sometimes take days to test positive, during this time, I have been self-quarantining and working to serve our city from home to limit my interactions with others and potentially unknowingly spread the virus," Dyer said.

Dyer was scheduled to appear early Saturday at a Masonic rites graveside ceremony for July Perry, who was lynched by a mob in Ocoee 100 years ago. Florida Rep. Geraldine Thompson (D-District 44) also had to miss the ceremony because she has been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is unclear whether Dyer and Thompson had been in contact with one another.

City Commissioner Patty Sheehan told those in attendance that she was filling in for Dyer because of the precautionary steps the mayor had taken.

Dyer "deeply regrets he can't be here with us," Sheehan said to those in attendance. "He is healthy, but he was near somebody within the past few days who subsequently tested positive for COVID. And in an abundance of caution, he is self-isolating this weekend."

Dyer added in his statement to Spectrum News 13: 

"This an unfortunate reminder to all of us, that the virus is still very much active and spreading throughout our community. I want to continue to stress again that we all must continue to take the simple, but critical pandemic precautions to protect each other from the virus – including washing our hands regularly, wearing a mask diligently and keeping our distance from others as much as possible."