As the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 continues to rise in Florida, state Senator Audrey Gibson joined fellow Democrats in calling on Governor Ron DeSantis to issue a statewide stay-at-home order.
“Experts in infectious diseases from around the world are in agreement that the only effective way to stop the transmission of this deadly disease is by limiting physical contact. Many infected individuals are carriers, unknowingly passing the virus to colleagues, friends, and family. We can limit spread, further negative impact to our economy, and prevent the tragedies that unfolded in Italy and Spain by taking steps these countries now concede they should have implemented much earlier,” said the Jacksonville Democrat and Senate Minority Leader.
To date, Governor DeSantis continues to push back against any shelter in place orders. Many fear, however, that this reluctance to shut down easy mobility will allow the coronavirus to gain a foothold not only in the surrounding areas of hard-hit Broward and Miami Dade Counties, but in counties where few or no cases have as yet been reported. On this past Monday morning there were 46 confirmed cases in Duval County and by Tuesday there were 4 more cases and an additional death.
By contrast, 17 other states representing more than 40% of the nation’s population, have already opted to issue stay-at-home orders.
“There seems to be a glimmer of hope in reducing the spread of coronavirus thanks to the rise in weather temperature Florida is experiencing. Lest we forget, sheltering in place includes people at home in their own yards or their sunny balconies and porches,” said Senator Gibson, referring to theories that warmer weather conditions may slow the coronavirus transmission in states like Florida, much the same as the annual flu outbreak.
“The governor has a tangible way to shut down the transmission now. Where we have a glimmer of hope in reducing the transmission of COVID-19, we should move on it.”
