Biden, DeSantis Tangle Over COVID-19
Florida's governor complains that he was called out for his COVID denialism
Florida is reporting its highest levels of COVID-19 cases seen throughout the pandemic. And the Sunshine State had 12,408 people hospitalized from COVID-19 complications Wednesday, a new record high for the state, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Florida also leads the country with the highest per capita rate of children hospitalized with COVID-19.
In July, Florida was one of four states that accounted for 40 percent of the country's total infections, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said over the weekend. During that time, Florida recorded one out of every five of the nation's new cases, he said.
But despite the runaway COVID outbreak in his state, Republican Gov Ron DeSantis not only refuses to consider any shutdowns but last week signed an executive order, barring school districts from forcing students to wear face masks when they return to class.
Under the order, parents will be able to choose whether or not their children wear masks in schools, despite updated guidance last week from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which said everyone inside K-12 schools should be required to wear a mask.
In fact, DeSantis — a staunch ally of former president Donald Trump, and himself a potential Republican candidate for president in 2024 — has preferred to point fingers and blame “hysteria,” rather than lay out constructive solutions.
DeSantis said Tuesday that “the media fixates on cases,” while perpetuating “hysteria” and “fear-mongering.”
President Biden called out the “disappointing” leadership of some of the nation's governors — singling out those of Florida and Texas in particular — which DeSantis didn't appreciate.
DeSantis complained that “Joe Biden has taken to himself to try to single out Florida over COVID.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki responded to DeSantis’ displeasure with an attempt at unity — inviting him to join the effort against the spread of COVID-19.
“23% of new COVID hospitalizations in the U.S are in Florida, and their hospitals are being overwhelmed again.
We are doing everything we can to help the people of FL, and they're stepping up by getting vaccinated – we hope @GovRonDeSantis joins us in this fight,” Psaki tweeted.
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