“It’s remarkable that Governor DeSantis chose to issue his latest self-graded report card on protecting the elderly during this pandemic in Jacksonville, where just yesterday long-term facilities in this area reported the largest single-week increase for deaths.
“The high fatality rates in our nursing homes are a reflection of the misguided priorities Governor DeSantis has followed throughout this crisis. Rather than effective preventative measures on the front end, his efforts are after-the-fact: after thousands of cases, and after thousands of deaths. His administration may claim it stands as guards to the fortress, but no sustained, effective measures have been adopted statewide to reduce the virus’ breach of the walls, given that as of 9:25 this morning, there have been 3,155 COVID-19 confirmed deaths of patients and staff in Florida’s long-term care facilities. These numbers include Duval county as well.
“Claiming to protect the elderly rings. hollow when the Governor continues to green-light things like re-opening schools that allow the spread of the virus among the young, ensuring a domino spread among parents, grandparents, teachers, and members of communities. And all the roundtables in the world will not change that basic fact.
“Taking a ‘Step Back to Safety,’ as we have continued to urge, by rolling back business reopenings to 25 percent capacity, implementing robust testing as recommended by health officials, a downward trajectory for 14 days and a 5 percent or less positivity rate, issuing a mandatory mask policy to accompany handwashing and distancing guidelines, truly protects the vulnerable. If the Governor cares about the impact of loneliness on our seniors, he will take action on these steps. Anything less, including more roundtables, is just words.”
