Florida Hits 15,000 Covid Deaths As Case Declines Slow

Topline

Florida has become the fourth state to hit the grim milestone of 15,000 reported coronavirus deaths, which comes as a long-term decline in new cases appears to be slowing down, almost two weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) allowed bars and restaurants to reopen at 100% capacity and essentially forbade localities from enforcing mask mandates.

Key Facts

Key Background

Despite dire statistics throughout the summer, DeSantis continually said the public health crisis in the state was being overblown, insisting the state stay the course with many aspects of what was one of the most aggressive reopening efforts in the nation. DeSantis has since sped up that reopening process, announcing Sept. 25 that bars and restaurants in Florida could reopen at full capacity—making it the largest state to allow that, and leaving public health experts concerned about a renewed outbreak.

Chief Critic

Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the state is “really asking for trouble” after its reopening effort, saying that DeSantis’ decision was “very concerning.” “When you’re dealing with community spread, and you have the kind of congregate setting where people get together, particularly without masks, you’re really asking for trouble. Now’s the time actually to double down a bit,” Fauci said on ABC’s Good Morning America after DeSantis’ announcement.

Further Reading

Florida Shatters National Record With Over 15,000 New Coronavirus Cases (Forbes)

Covid Cases Spike In Florida As Bars And Restaurants Reopen At Full Capacity (Forbes)

Florida Sets Coronavirus Death Record, Hours After Gov. DeSantis Said State Had ‘Stabilized’ (Forbes)

Florida Governor: ‘We’re Not Shutting Down’ After Record Coronavirus Infection Spike (Forbes)

Florida Governor: ‘We’re Not Shutting Down’ After Record Coronavirus Infection Spike

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

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