DeSantis Aide Quits Over Florida Covid Policy And Police Raid Of Data Scientist

Topline

A Florida state official who described himself as a “DeSantis political appointee” sent the governor his resignation letter Tuesday, decrying the “reckless” way he said the state has handled the Covid-19 pandemic, while calling the armed police raid of former state data scientist Rebekah Jones the final straw in continuing to work for state government.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“I no longer wish to serve the current government of Florida in any capacity,” Filipkowski said.

Key Background

DeSantis has continually rejected the opinion of top public health experts that say the state’s restrictions are far too loose and likely lead to increased coronavirus spread. Florida is by far the largest state allowing restaurants and bars to open at 100% capacity, while also being by far the largest state without a statewide mask mandate. In fact, there are no public mask mandates in Florida that can actively be enforced, since DeSantis signed an executive order forbidding fines for violating Covid guidelines. DeSantis has also resisted pleas from local officials who have asked for the authority to enforce tighter restrictions.

Big Number

1,065,785. That’s how many total coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Florida, according to the state. Only two other states—California and Texas—have confirmed more than 1 million cases. 

Tangent

Last month, DeSantis hired 40-year-old Kyle Lamb, an Ohio-based Uber driver and sports blogger, as a state data analyst. Democrats slammed the move by calling Lamb an “unqualified conspiracy theorist,” citing his continuous conspiratorial tweets about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Further Reading

Armed Police Raid Home Of Ousted Data Scientist Who Alleged Covid-19 Data Manipulation In Florida (Forbes)

Fauci Says Florida Is ‘Asking For Trouble’ By Fully Reopening Restaurants And Bars (Forbes)

Florida Governor Extends Ban On Cities Imposing Mask Mandate Penalties—Critic Calls Move A ‘Killing Spree’ (Forbes)

Florida Mayors Plead For Mask Mandate, But DeSantis Says No New Restrictions Coming (Forbes)

‘Unqualified Conspiracy Theorist’: Florida Democrats Urge DeSantis Not To Hire Sports Blogger As State Data Analyst (Forbes)

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