SWFL performer with COVID-19 says he began feeling sick at Cape Coral bar

A local performer wants his message to reach as many people as possible after he recovered from the coronavirus.

Charles Peterson, a performer in Southwest Florida, says he underestimated the coronavirus. So much so, even when he could hardly get out of bed and his temperature hit 104, he was certain it was the flu. Now, he wants to reach anyone he can.

With texts, phone calls, and Facebook posts, Peterson is warning people he tested positive for the coronavirus, and they could get sick too.

Peterson confirmed he was performing at Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood when he started to feel in poor health.

“That means I was sick at the Monkey Bar Thursday during my show,” Peterson said.

It was a show where Peterson says he knows he shook hands and greeted people after, but the symptoms didn’t hit until after either.

“I’ve never been this sick in my whole life ever,” Peterson said.

Quarantined in his home, Peterson admits he’s talking about the coronavirus and precautions differently now.

“I’ll be honest with you. I never was one to be serious about the masks stuff,” Peterson said. “I felt that only people that are infected should be wearing a mask, not the ones that are healthy. I underestimated it.”

Monkey Bar Steak and Seafood posted online it closed due to a possible exposure to COVID-19. The restaurant says it’s having a professional company come in to clean and sanitize.

We reached out over the phone and on Facebook but have not heard back yet.

Peterson says reaching out to people and talking about precautions is no easy discussion. But they are words that could save someone’s life.

“My number one concern was other people,” Peterson said. “That’s why I put it on Facebook immediately.”