FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Scott Israel, the former Broward Sheriff who is running again to reclaim that position, was released from a hospital Thursday night, days after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Israel confirmed reports of the news with a statement:
“Tonight I am being discharged from the Delray Medical Center. My fight with COVID-19 is not over but my condition has improved enough that my place in the hospital could be taken by another fighting this virus. I return home tonight grateful to finish out my treatment and recuperation and to strengthen for the coming days,” Israel, 64, wrote in part. “I want to thank the thousands of friends and supporters who reached out to me and my family over the past 48 hours. We were overwhelmed by your prayers and offers of support.”
Israel confirmed in a prior statement that he tested positive for the virus Tuesday night.
“After experiencing symptoms over the past several days and at the urging of family and friends, I decided to take another coronavirus test. This time, unfortunately, the test was positive,” wrote Israel.
“Like most of you, I took precautions, followed the advice of health experts, wore a mask in public, washed my hands regularly and observed social distancing. Yet, despite this vigilance, I have contracted the virus. My outlook is positive, my faith is strong, and I rest in the strong support of loving family, friends and colleagues.”
Israel, who was treated at Delray Medical Center, said that his campaign will continue even as he will be quarantined while recovering from the virus.
He’s running to unseat Sheriff Gregory Tony, who was installed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to lead the Broward Sheriff’s Office in January 2019 after the governor removed Israel in the fallout of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shootings.
They’re both considered frontrunners on the ballot for the Democratic primary on Aug. 18 despite both facing a vote of no-confidence from their deputies.
Tony’s campaign posted a tweet Wednesday saying: “Wishing good health and a speedy recovery to Scott Israel. Some things matter more than politics. Scott and his family will be in my thoughts.”
Israel ended his initial statement with a message to the public: “Please protect one another, love one another, stay vigilant and fight, fight, fight for the health and safety of our community,” he wrote.