DeSantis for the win
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Florida's DC Lawmakers Question DeSantis's Lack of COVID-19 Transparency
https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/n...tion-desantis-s-lack-of-covid-19-transparency
White House coronavirus task force report warned that expanding community spread should be addressed immediately in Florida by expanding mitigation policies in counties with increasing cases and daily hospitalizations.
That report, indicating Florida was again in the COVID-19 red zone, was issued on October 25 but only recently became public, causing some members of the state's congressional delegation to ask what took so long.
"I don't understand," said Republican U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, whose 19th District includes Fort Myers and Naples. "I think transparency and openness are a good way to keep the fears down, to make sure people understand the nature of the problem."
Olivia Troye is a former member of the White House croronavirus task force who left her post during the summer after witnessing what she considers an inadequate response to the pandemic.
She said the lack of timely distribution of COVID-19 statistics in Florida should concern all of the state's citizens.
"In the case of Florida, unfortunately, that governor has not been as transparent as would be helpful, given the situation," Troye said. "... When you're not seeing the data, and the facts aren't being given to you, it would give me pause. I would take a step back and say, 'Why aren't they sharing this with us?'"
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Democrat whose district includes Hillsborough County, said the release of information could save lives, but holding it back could do the opposite.
"This is very serious," she said. "I think hiding public health data will cost lives, and it has cost lives."
Public officials on both sides of the aisle have said they are kept in the dark about the White House coronavirus task force's warnings and recommendations in Florida's most recent reports.
"Without that information, without the data, people are flying blind," said Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, whose congressional district includes Orlando. "They are having to make decisions without full information."
Gov. Ron DeSantis's office did not respond to repeated requests for comment on why the reports have been held up and how his administration evaluates them.
https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/n...tion-desantis-s-lack-of-covid-19-transparency
White House coronavirus task force report warned that expanding community spread should be addressed immediately in Florida by expanding mitigation policies in counties with increasing cases and daily hospitalizations.
That report, indicating Florida was again in the COVID-19 red zone, was issued on October 25 but only recently became public, causing some members of the state's congressional delegation to ask what took so long.
"I don't understand," said Republican U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, whose 19th District includes Fort Myers and Naples. "I think transparency and openness are a good way to keep the fears down, to make sure people understand the nature of the problem."
Olivia Troye is a former member of the White House croronavirus task force who left her post during the summer after witnessing what she considers an inadequate response to the pandemic.
She said the lack of timely distribution of COVID-19 statistics in Florida should concern all of the state's citizens.
"In the case of Florida, unfortunately, that governor has not been as transparent as would be helpful, given the situation," Troye said. "... When you're not seeing the data, and the facts aren't being given to you, it would give me pause. I would take a step back and say, 'Why aren't they sharing this with us?'"
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Democrat whose district includes Hillsborough County, said the release of information could save lives, but holding it back could do the opposite.
"This is very serious," she said. "I think hiding public health data will cost lives, and it has cost lives."
Public officials on both sides of the aisle have said they are kept in the dark about the White House coronavirus task force's warnings and recommendations in Florida's most recent reports.
"Without that information, without the data, people are flying blind," said Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, whose congressional district includes Orlando. "They are having to make decisions without full information."
Gov. Ron DeSantis's office did not respond to repeated requests for comment on why the reports have been held up and how his administration evaluates them.
Directly from the report. In case you want to see the current data and not cherry pick stats from the 20th of September. Also, the Florida number was better than the NC data according to this report.
"DeSantis for the win"
Florida Positivity Rates Rise as Herd Immunity Theory Decried
Before ordering local governments to stop enforcing mask requirements and relaxing other restrictions, Gov. Ron DeSantis was advised by academics whose ideas an FIU epidemiologist calls "utter and complete junk."
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local...rise-as-herd-immunity-theory-decried/2325279/
The day before announcing he would relax restrictions on public gatherings and ban governments from penalizing people who refuse to wear masks, Gov. Ron DeSantis conferred with academics whose ideas about "herd immunity" are being decried as coronavirus rages across the United States.
Seven weeks after Florida lifted widespread restrictions, the virus is doing what reputable experts predicted it would -- resurge.
The state Tuesday added 7,459 cases, bringing the average daily increase for the last week to 6,450, largest since the week ending August 14.
Another 310 Floridians were reported hospitalized, the largest one-day increase in that metric since Sept. 9.
And the share of tests coming back positive is also increasing, reaching 10.4 percent of all test results received by the state on Monday. That pushes the seven-day rate to 9.5%, highest since August 22.
DeSantis' actions in September were informed by two of the original authors of the Great Barrington Declaration. It preaches "herd immunity" by allowing those "at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally" and "build up immunity to the virus through natural infection."
During a video conference with the governor, one of the academics conceded he was not an epidemiologist.
Dr. Aileen Marty, who is an epidemiologist and infectious disease expert at Florida International University, had some thoughts on the declaration pushed by DeSantis' advisers.
"It's utter and complete junk," she said, "non-scientific, super dangerous and no worthy scientist or physician would give it a second glance."
While DeSantis has rejected the "herd immunity" label as descriptive of his philosophy on the virus, his policy has been in line with those advisers, including an emphasis on protecting the vulnerable.
Seven weeks after the governor huddled with the academics and relaxed restrictions to business and gatherings, the positivity rate for all tests in the state has risen by 60%, now approaching 10% of all test results.
"As long as people decide to disregard the science," Marty said. "We’re going to continue to see rising cases and we’re going to find ourselves back in a very unpleasant situation."
It's happening across the plain states and upper Midwest, where governors who previously dismissed mask mandates and business restrictions are adopting them as hospitals are being overrun by COVID patients.
Thirty-five states have some sort of mask mandate, but not Florida, where DeSantis has forbidden local governments from penalizing those who refuse to wear masks.
The CDC advises everyone wear masks, to protect both themselves and those they come in contact with.
Marty said all leaders need to do is lead.
"All they have to do is convince their populations," she said, to "state that this is serious, ask them to follow the rules and let them know you cannot let a wild virus go loose."
A request Tuesday for comment from DeSantis for his thoughts on herd immunity, the declaration his advisers created and other coronavirus issues has gone unanswered.
Florida Positivity Rates Rise as Herd Immunity Theory Decried
Before ordering local governments to stop enforcing mask requirements and relaxing other restrictions, Gov. Ron DeSantis was advised by academics whose ideas an FIU epidemiologist calls "utter and complete junk."
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local...rise-as-herd-immunity-theory-decried/2325279/
The day before announcing he would relax restrictions on public gatherings and ban governments from penalizing people who refuse to wear masks, Gov. Ron DeSantis conferred with academics whose ideas about "herd immunity" are being decried as coronavirus rages across the United States.
Seven weeks after Florida lifted widespread restrictions, the virus is doing what reputable experts predicted it would -- resurge.
The state Tuesday added 7,459 cases, bringing the average daily increase for the last week to 6,450, largest since the week ending August 14.
Another 310 Floridians were reported hospitalized, the largest one-day increase in that metric since Sept. 9.
And the share of tests coming back positive is also increasing, reaching 10.4 percent of all test results received by the state on Monday. That pushes the seven-day rate to 9.5%, highest since August 22.
DeSantis' actions in September were informed by two of the original authors of the Great Barrington Declaration. It preaches "herd immunity" by allowing those "at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally" and "build up immunity to the virus through natural infection."
During a video conference with the governor, one of the academics conceded he was not an epidemiologist.
Dr. Aileen Marty, who is an epidemiologist and infectious disease expert at Florida International University, had some thoughts on the declaration pushed by DeSantis' advisers.
"It's utter and complete junk," she said, "non-scientific, super dangerous and no worthy scientist or physician would give it a second glance."
While DeSantis has rejected the "herd immunity" label as descriptive of his philosophy on the virus, his policy has been in line with those advisers, including an emphasis on protecting the vulnerable.
Seven weeks after the governor huddled with the academics and relaxed restrictions to business and gatherings, the positivity rate for all tests in the state has risen by 60%, now approaching 10% of all test results.
"As long as people decide to disregard the science," Marty said. "We’re going to continue to see rising cases and we’re going to find ourselves back in a very unpleasant situation."
It's happening across the plain states and upper Midwest, where governors who previously dismissed mask mandates and business restrictions are adopting them as hospitals are being overrun by COVID patients.
Thirty-five states have some sort of mask mandate, but not Florida, where DeSantis has forbidden local governments from penalizing those who refuse to wear masks.
The CDC advises everyone wear masks, to protect both themselves and those they come in contact with.
Marty said all leaders need to do is lead.
"All they have to do is convince their populations," she said, to "state that this is serious, ask them to follow the rules and let them know you cannot let a wild virus go loose."
A request Tuesday for comment from DeSantis for his thoughts on herd immunity, the declaration his advisers created and other coronavirus issues has gone unanswered.
Anyone see Ron? Ron? Anyone?
Gov. Ron DeSantis nowhere to be found as South Florida sees latest surge in coronavirus cases
https://www.local10.com/news/local/...orida-sees-latest-surge-in-coronavirus-cases/
Gov. Ron DeSantis nowhere to be found as South Florida sees latest surge in coronavirus cases
https://www.local10.com/news/local/...orida-sees-latest-surge-in-coronavirus-cases/
Directly from the report. In case you want to see the current data and not cherry pick stats from the 20th of September. Also, the Florida number was better than the NC data according to this report.
COVID-19 is on the rise in FL nursing homes and assisted facilities, so what happens now?
Resident cases are steadily increasing
Nov 18, 2020
https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/...s-and-assisted-facilities-so-what-happens-now
Eight months after the country shut down to stop the spread of COVID-19, the virus isn’t going away. In fact, COVID-19 cases are once again reaching record numbers in the Sunshine State striking cities, communities, and Florida’s vulnerable long-term care centers.
Since November 5th, the number of positive cases involving residents and staff at nursing homes and assisted living facilities is up. Last week, Florida’s Department of Health reported over 1300 new cases involving residents, a six-week high. In addition, those living in long term care are still accounting for 40% of COVID deaths statewide, according to data by the FL Department of Health.
During a recent call, Florida’s boss of long term care centers focused on the bright side.
“We are still at less than 1% of long-term care residents so that is a plus,” said Acting Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, Shevaun Harris.
Across the state, centers are growing concerned.
“Everyone has their guard up,” said Gail Matillo, President and CEO of the Florida Senior Living Association, which represents assisted living facilities in Florida.
Two-and-a-half months ago, Governor Ron DeSantis lifted visitor restrictions on long term care centers.
The industry isn’t aware of any plans to go back.
“There hasn’t been any global discussion about limiting visitation,” said Kristen Knapp, spokesperson for the Florida Health Care Association which represents nursing homes in Florida.
Locking down centers and isolating the more than 200,000 residents who live in long-term care centers in Florida would reignite concerns about staff morale and resident mental health which took a hit during the 5 months long term care centers were closed to the public.
“They [residents] need interaction, they need the human touch. They need to be able to connect and reconnect with their families,” said Knapp.
In Arizona and San Diego, CA where COVID cases are also back on the rise, some nursing homes have ceased visitation.
But Governor DeSantis has been clear and vocal about his unwillingness to shut down the state again. During a press conference at the end of August, he said, “we will never do any of these lockdowns again.” Whether that sentiment includes long term care facilities remains unclear. The Governor’s spokesperson has not yet returned questions about how the increase in cases will impact long term care centers. Only the Governor can make the decision to lock centers down again.
Staff and resident testing along with visitor screening protocols haven’t changed since the Governor’s ordered long term care centers to reopen visitation under strict guidelines.
But Brian Lee, Executive Director of the non-profit Families for Better Care has been advocating the same message about rapid testing for months.
“They’re still using the wrong tests. What needs to happen is testing at the door. There needs to be onsite molecular-based rapid testing at the door,” he said.
Meantime, facilities are banking on early vaccine success as a sign of things to come. When asked about concerns regarding continued increases in cases, Matillo said “we hope the vaccine is out by then.”
Long term care associations are asking the public to help keep residents safe by always wearing their masks, adhering to social distancing guidelines. During the holidays, centers are asking families to keep gatherings small, short, and outside.
Special guidelines have also been provided to long-term care centers on how to handle holiday leave for both staff and residents. To read more, click here.
I suggest shutting down restaurants, bars and nightclubs, plus the beaches, because that's where nursing home patients hang out.
How's this for a novel idea. Quarantine the fucking nursing homes. No visitors, no staff coming and going. 30 day, live in the facility shifts for staff. Use some of those trillions we're blowing on bullshit to pay the triple time for the entire period. And no using nursing homes as a facility to send people who already have Covid. Idiotic as that seems to suggest we have already seen retard Governors do that. Nah, stupid idea, close down some random amusement park because we know those old fuckers are sneaking out to ride rollercoasters.
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I suggest shutting down restaurants, bars and nightclubs, plus the beaches, because that's where nursing home patients hang out.
How's this for a novel idea. Quarantine the fucking nursing homes. No visitors, no staff coming and going. 30 day, live in the facility shifts for staff. Use some of those trillions we're blowing on bullshit to pay the triple time for the entire period. Nah, stupid idea, close down some random amusement park because we know those old fuckers are sneaking out to ride rollercoasters.
Well you would think that the Governor of state that continually parrots "Protect the Vulnerable" would lockdown the nursing homes, no visitors, no staff cycling, more covid testing, etc.
Well if you are Gov. DeSantis then not so much.
His response was to place COVID positive patients in nursing homes (after criticizing New York for doing this). He opened up nursing homes for all visitors without restrictions while urging that family members should hug the residents. At the same time he cut all COVID testing funding for nursing homes. Now he allows you to remove and return nursing home residents without any type of COVID testing being required. All of this in a state where over 40% of COVID deaths are in nursing homes currently.
Yeah, you would think that wouldn't you, but he is a politician, so that means the R stands for retard as the D stands for dumbass.