Joe Henderson
Ron DeSantis has had it pretty easy during his first 14 months as Florida’s Governor. He has gotten things done and justifiably enjoys great bipartisan popularity. The real measure of a leader, though, is how they handle a crisis – and we have one.
It was predictable that the coronavirus would find its way to Florida, and it has. With two confirmed cases in the state, people will look to DeSantis for a plan to cope with a genuine emergency.
It’s an issue with many tentacles – public health, economics, trust in government, and perhaps worst of all, unpredictability. The butcher’s bill for this disease is more than 3,100 dead worldwide. For some perspective, that exceeds the number who died in the 9/11 attack.
It’s a fine line between taking firm steps to deal with a problem like that without creating panic throughout the state. Rick Scott had to make that walk when multiple hurricanes threatened Florida in the last few years. Say what you will about Scott, but there was something oddly reassuring about seeing him that Navy ballcap laying out what to do in no uncertain terms.
It’s worth noting that DeSantis momentarily flubbed his first stab at reassurance during this crisis. At a news conference Monday in Tampa, a reporter asked why the Department of Health called initial reports of infections in Florida “a hoax” only to backtrack a couple of hours later.
Good question.
“I can only comment on the fact that we are all here right now today to inform about this important development in our state,” Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees said.
DeSantis jumped in to add, “We are anticipating there will be additional positive tests.”
Last Friday, DeSantis said that while he was taking action to protect the state, he couldn’t release information about how many people were tested for the disease, how many people were self-isolating, or where in the state those people are located.
How come?
He said state law bars him from giving the public more information.
But shortly after that, he released the information.
So, what is it? Did the law change? Or did he just say to heck with it?
This is no time for secrecy. People are wearing face masks in public (which do no good, by the way). Organizers are canceling events. People are nervous and should be.
And underlying this is the fact that the man who put DeSantis into office, President Donald Trump, called this a Democratic and media hoax to beat him in an election.
DeSantis can’t keep this deadly virus away from Florida. No one will expect that.
But it’s time for some straight talk about the vulnerability a state so diverse and dependent on tourism will face.
This is not a hoax.
People are dying.
It’s a crisis that requires Ron DeSantis to lead.
2 comments
Phil Minitsac
March 2, 2020 at 9:15 pm
One of the people who tested positive for it from community spread, which means it’s already floating around Florida and probably has been for weeks.
What we’re seeing out of the administration is happy talk and cover for Trump. That explains the 24 hour delay in notifying the public about the first presumptive positives, and the ridiculous public records exemption.
If DeSantis really wants to help Trump – he’ll make sure white old people don’t die.
Ray Blacklidge
March 2, 2020 at 11:28 pm
Yes, we have two presumed cases of corona virus here in the Bay Area of Florida.
The latest update from the World Health Organization shows 87,137 are infected in 58 countries worldwide, with 1,739 new infections being reported. Most of those are in China. So far, 2,873 have died, with 104 deaths outside China.
So far this flu season, 16,000 Americans have died from flu, according to the CDC.
Please Wash your Hands.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
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