A.G. Gancarski
As Governor, Rick Scott resisted big-government solutions to social problems, such as Medicaid expansion.
As a U.S. Senator, however, Scott seeks a much more expansive role for the federal government as America wrestles with the coronavirus outbreak.
Scott, who has been among the most vocal critics of what he calls the “Chinese coronavirus,” issued a “30 day plan” for what the former health care executive hopes will be a quick recovery for the U.S. economy.
“Americans are scared because of the uncertainty the coronavirus has brought. Small businesses are closing, people feel isolated and there’s no end in sight. But we can beat this,” Scott said.
“There are a series of steps we can take right now that, if everyone cooperates, can end the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. If we take these actions, we can significantly stop the spread of the virus and return to our normal, daily lives,” Scott added.
The most provocative proposal from the former budget hawk Governor: A “moratorium on all financial obligations (including rent, credit card payments, mortgages, utilities).”
Scott also wants a complete closure of U.S. borders to ” to everyone except American citizens and Legal Permanent Residents.”
Another major action Scott wants: to “shut down all air travel,” including domestic flights.
Airports, as one would expect, are hotbeds of potential transmission.
The Senator also seeks an expansion of treatment modalities: “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should provide hospitals with a list of all drugs potentially available to patients either through Right to Try or Compassionate Use. The FDA should provide hospitals with a list of all drugs that show promising off-label therapeutic use for COVID-19.”
Those are the big picture proposals.
More locally, Scott would require “every individual to have their temperature taken before they enter a public building. If anyone has a high temperature, they cannot enter.”
He also wants localized “robust county-level testing with same day results.”
“If someone tests positive for COVID-19,” Scott said, “they are mandated to quarantine. States must rigorously enforce quarantine rules.”
And those without positive tests, though not recommended to be preemptively quarantined, are urged to “stay home to the extent possible.”
7 comments
Thomas Knapp
March 21, 2020 at 11:26 am
Airlines wouldn’t be such “hotbeds of transmission” if the president would furlough the TSA.
Not only is the international terrorism threat way down due to travel restrictions, but TSA has never claimed to have stopped an attack anyway.
At present, TSA’s only function is to catch COVID-19, then pass it on to every traveler they grope.
William
March 21, 2020 at 1:01 pm
Airline shutdown is the most respnsible action. There are thousands of flight attendants who are forced to work, put themselvies and their families at risk, and serve as vectors for the spread of the disease. Then, there are the passengers and their rate of infection is a complete unnknow,
Thomas Knapp
March 21, 2020 at 1:13 pm
The most responsible action would be to quit cratering the economy to appease panic over a slightly worse than usual cold and flu season.
We’re well beyond the realm of responsible action already. We certainly shouldn’t be taking the irrationality any farther.
Frankie M.
March 21, 2020 at 2:26 pm
Scott is a joke without a punchline smh
Frankie M.
March 21, 2020 at 2:25 pm
I heard Bernie Sanders is looking for a running mate if Rick Scott is interested. Now that’s bipartisanship! Or maybe Scott would be more comfortable as Dear Leader’s wingman in the DPRK?
If neither of those options work Scott & DeSantis can drop their drawers and compare manhoods.
Memo to Scott: You are no longer governor. Eight years was about 8 years too many. You had your chance. You turned down Medicaid from the federal govt because you didn’t like Obama. Nobody cares what you think anymore. Just go around wearing that Navy cap & STFU. If I want to hear your opinion I’ll give it to you.
Glenn Reihing
March 22, 2020 at 9:22 am
“Chinese coronavirus”
A vile, racist comment from a legally questionable, morally bankrupt former CEO of a supposed healthcare company.
Brence Sell
March 22, 2020 at 2:21 pm
Will Mr. Scott also agree to no air travel? No flights in his personal jet? Of course not. These rules are for the peons, not royalty like him!
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