NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Ahead of Sarah Palin's federal defamation trial in Manhattan, the former 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee dined indoors at an Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side on Saturday night.
Palin, who is unvaccinated, tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, delaying the trial and causing some to question how Elio's, a hotspot for celebrities, allowed the 57-year-old to sit inside given city protocols requiring proof of vaccination for guests to sit inside.
Manager Luca Guaitolini, who was not working that night but confirmed her visit, told The New York Times that "we just made a mistake" and checked vaccination cards for all first-time patrons but not for regulars who come each week.
The former Alaska governor, who is suing the Times over a 2017 editorial that linked her to the 2011 Tucson mass shooting that gravely injured former Rep. Gabby Giffords and killed six, allegedly dined with an unnamed regular.
"She probably just walked in and strolled over," Guaitolini said. "We are trying to get to the bottom of this."
Shawn McCreesh, a features writer for New York Magazine, tweeted Saturday that he spotted Palin while out to dinner at the restaurant.
Brian Schwartz, CNBC political finance reporter, alleged Monday that Elio's "did not check our vaccine status" in a tweet.
Palin's trial in Manhattan federal court has now been postponed to next Thursday if Palin, who has tested positive three times now, has adequately recovered, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff said Monday.
Courthouse rules would permit her to return to court on that date—even if she still tests positive—as long as she has no symptoms.
"She is, of course, unvaccinated," Rakoff said when announcing the result of an at-home test that Palin took.
Related
Related
