Ryan Nicol
Department of Health (DoH) officials have identified five cases of community spread of the COVID-19 virus inside The Villages.
A report from POLITICO Florida first highlighted the findings by Sumter County DoH officials. The sprawling retirement community is partially located inside Sumter and crosses into Lake and Marion counties as well.
A serious outbreak inside the community could have devastating effects. Most who show symptoms from the virus develop a fever or cough and may have trouble breathing, though they do recover.
But older individuals and those with underlying health risks are susceptible to developing more severe symptoms.
Through Sunday evening, 60 Floridians have died after contracting the novel coronavirus. Nearly 90% of those deaths were individuals aged 65 or older.
This past Monday, a drive-thru site was set up inside The Villages to test members of that vulnerable community for the virus. Residents there, who often use golf carts to get around, were able to drive up in those carts to receive the testing. The University of Florida is partnering with the state on that site.
A mobile hospital containing 250 beds has also been established in the community.
In Sumter County, through Saturday night, 40 cases of COVID-19 have been identified, and 13 people have been hospitalized for it, though none has died, according to data released by the Florida Department of Health. That gives Sumter County the state’s third-highest rate of confirmed infections, with 33 cases per 100,000 residents. Only Broward County [52 cases per 100,000 residents], Miami-Dade County [53,] have higher rates of confirmed infections per capita.
The Villages spills into neighboring Lake County, where another 44 cases have been identified, with nine people hospitalized. A total of 723 people in Sumter and 971 in Lake have been tested, according to the department.
The median age of The Villages is about 72 years old, and almost 80% of its 80,000 residents are older than 65, according to the Census Bureau. The surrounding county of more than 120,000 residents has a median age of 67.
Prior to the opening of the testing site, The Villages slowly began to shut down its expansive social scene. That’s after the community — which leans Republican — had sought to downplay the virus’s affects as President Donald Trump repeatedly expressed confidence the virus would be contained inside the U.S.
Starting Tuesday, all regularly scheduled indoor activities at The Villages were canceled through the end of the month. Pool activities were called off, and the library and fitness clubs closed their doors.
Perhaps most distressing for residents, outside gatherings of more than 50 people were outlawed, putting an end to the nightly happy hour drinking and dancing in the three town squares.
“Four weeks ago, five weeks ago, it was ‘a hoax.’ It was ‘media hype,’ and people were writing, ‘Oh, it will be gone in a couple of weeks,‘” said Shirley Schantz, a retired nurse who lives inside The Villages.
“What I’ve noticed is those kinds of things have lessened a little bit.”
As of Saturday, Sumter County had seen 33 positive tests for the virus overall. Another 30 cases had been confirmed in Lake County, with Marion identifying 16 cases.
One thing that hasn’t stopped is golf; The Villages has dozens of courses.
“This is The Villages. There would be a riot if they stopped golf,” Cathie Hardy, a resident, told TIME Magazine. She gently chastised her husband, Michael, for playing golf that morning instead of staying home.
86 comments
It’s happening
March 28, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Here we go!!!
Donald Trum[
March 28, 2020 at 4:21 pm
Great article Ryan “Snow Flake” Nicol. Your article if 100% full of Fake News. Go back to school and learn to be a writer.
Jan
March 29, 2020 at 11:24 am
Everything he doesn’t like is fake, to me what about his hair and the way they put a color on his face.
Brandy
March 29, 2020 at 11:48 am
Hey Ryan, can you not blame Republicans or Trump for the spread of the virus, tis virus cares not for your race, gender, sexual preference or political leanings, it just needa a body to thrive in. NY has the highest cases in the nation, that is a heavy blue state, should we blame democrats for that….no. Just report what has to do with the spread of the virus. Political affiliation has nothing to do with it.
Jack Robinson
March 29, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Sorry, but it does. If Trump had not dithered, denied, and delayed for 6 weeks that were lost, we might have been able to contain the virus. While he denied and delayed we should have had tests in place much sooner and much more widely available and used. We should have been readying hospitals and organizing ventilators and started mass producing them using the DPA. Putting the health of the stock market ahead of the health of people was a disaster. Let’s just hope America can go full bore and catch up before we become another Italy.
HUGO FUGUZEFF
March 29, 2020 at 1:38 pm
That’s a whole lotta BS brandy.
TRUMPY D CLOWN knew about the virus in earlyJanuary and DID NOTHING
Keep on keepin on in your FOX FUELED alternate reality.
Bob Ford
March 29, 2020 at 6:59 pm
Nothing?. He shut off the Chinese travel to the US when sexual assaulted Joe Biden said it was xenophobic and the Washington Post said it wasn’t necessary.
Dana
March 29, 2020 at 7:57 pm
To Bob Ford: He knew about the virus in 2018 & should have been aggressive handling it then.
Indeed, on Jan. 24, a week before the travel restrictions, the CDC confirmed two cases of the novel coronavirus in the U.S. from people who had returned from Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began. Look where we are now. I should hope he initiated travel restrictions when this pandemic is happening. If he didn’t, he shouldn’t be allowed to be in charge of our nation.
Also, the cuts, coupled with the administration’s repeated calls to cut the budget for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health agencies, made it clear that the Trump administration wasn’t prioritizing the federal government’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks.
Trump’s failure to respond to the coronavirus pandemic didn’t begin with the administration’s inability to send out the millions of test kits and the protective medical gear for health care workers that experts say are needed to tackle the crisis. It didn’t start with Trump’s bungled messaging downplaying the crisis even as it’s worsened, nor with his insistence that social distancing measures could be lifted by Easter (April 12). It began in April 2018 — more than a year and a half before the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes, Covid-19, sickened enough people in China that authorities realized they were dealing with a new disease. The Trump administration, with John Bolton newly at the helm of the White House National Security Council, began dismantling the team in charge of pandemic response, firing its leadership and disbanding the team in spring 2018.
sonny lapilotta
March 29, 2020 at 8:11 pm
Hugo: You should refrain from commenting in a public forum. It’s ok to be stupid, but it’s foolish to prove it.
Hugo Fuguzeff
March 29, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Hey BOB FORD
It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.
Hayseus daykristoe
March 29, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Hey sunny baggadonuts
Go back to New York and take COVID19 with you
Joe
March 30, 2020 at 4:47 pm
Dana, thank you for your fine display of untrue facts, hate and stupidity. Pay heed to the proverb “It is better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt!
Dana
March 30, 2020 at 7:01 pm
To Joe: If you wish to believe in your own twisted version of events – go ahead. What I wrote were the facts. However, I will always believe in science over fiction, truth over lies and unity over division.
Carol Dagastino
March 29, 2020 at 8:49 pm
Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. Keep politics out. Let the medical experts do their job. And for God’s sake stop fighting overTP. Take a darn shower. We are Americans raise your flags – be an American “One Nation Under God” !
ThinkingAmerican
March 30, 2020 at 6:27 am
Brandy, could you please point out where in the article the author blamed Republicans or Trump, or are you just politicizing to defend our Dear Supreme Leader who never makes mistakes and never said this was a hoax?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/donald-trump-coronavirus-response-us-advertisement
Never forget.
Faith Latham
March 30, 2020 at 9:33 am
We are all Americans, we live in the best country in the world, our government is doing the best they can. Stop the finger pointing.
TRUMPIDDY D CLOWN
March 30, 2020 at 3:33 pm
https://mobile.twitter.com/donwinslow/status/1244703261216522241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1244703261216522241&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fs9e.github.io%2Fiframe%2F2%2Ftwitter.min.html%231244703261216522241
TRUMPIDDY the CLOWN is a menace to society
CAP
March 31, 2020 at 4:53 pm
No. That’s true but lack of taking the virus seriously and doing what was necessary in January we would not be in this position. He is not to blame for the virus but he is to blamed for not doing sooner what was necessary to avoid the spread and notifying the American people of the seriousness of the situation in January when he knew about it. This is fact not “fake” news as Trump would put it. And, he continues to lie to the American people. A disgrace!
Diana
April 2, 2020 at 8:35 pm
Well said, Brandy. Some of the responses on this site are shocking and disgusting, especially attacks on political preference and residents residing in The Villages.
Sheryl kimball
March 29, 2020 at 12:13 pm
Another pathetic trumpian disgrace to Florida you are. I think Ryan is 💯 correct. When you old trumpians die off in the villages because of the virus sadly they’ll be no one left to laugh at for being Trump lovers. You sheeples don’t care about people you only care about the almighty$
sonny lapilotta
March 29, 2020 at 8:14 pm
Another simply ridiculous comment from a feeble brain that knows nothing of the public health process.
SUNNY BAGGADONUTS
March 30, 2020 at 1:19 pm
sonny baggadonuts
This piece was written pre election
tDumps gunna kill us all
Mr. Trump’s virulent combination of ignorance, emotional instability, demagogy, solipsism and vindictiveness would do more than result in a failed presidency; it could very well lead to national catastrophe. The prospect of Donald Trump as commander in chief should send a chill down the spine of every American.
Faith Latham
March 30, 2020 at 9:37 am
Really stupid!
Furd Burfel
March 29, 2020 at 1:49 pm
Ahhhhhhahaha. The Villages to become an upscale cemetery. MAGA!
Al Flanigan
March 29, 2020 at 10:48 pm
Wow…. unbelievable
Gigi
March 30, 2020 at 10:35 am
Drink some more of the cool-aid.
Most Americans can write or spell. Leave Ryan alone. Look at the beam in your eye.
From a world linguist.
Pan Demic
March 28, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Fingers crossed! Lots of Easter Sunday services! All just one big hoax! These folks really need to throw caution to the wind and have some giant parties. LOTS of big gatherings! Make Daddy Trump proud!
Karma
March 28, 2020 at 11:37 pm
“The men the American people admire most extravagantly are the most daring liars; the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth.”
Dianne Gardner
March 30, 2020 at 12:24 pm
Too much booze and too many STDs in the Villages and way too much FAUX news shows have taken their toll on these poor old fools.. Its gonna be sad when the numbers start to climb of the dead or debilitated…and even if one survives, ventilator syndrome is nightmarish…cognitive decline, memory loss…of course it may be hard to discern in the Villages with the low level of intellectual heft over here…..still gonna need to be able to pull that lever for Trump in November…let’s see now..what is my name again….???
Fran
March 30, 2020 at 3:52 pm
You are an idiot to still believe that std story. We may be old but we are not poor fools. I hope you don’t any where near here.
Gogi
March 29, 2020 at 1:41 pm
It is really sad that they are so many gullible people in this country. Trump is one of the worst presidentsthis country has known! He has spread a multitude of lies and inanities during his tenure.
Dana
March 29, 2020 at 6:57 pm
He’s gotta go. We can’t get him out soon enough.
patricia mcquaig
March 29, 2020 at 9:18 pm
The Villagers don’t seem to care, my daughter was in that area tonight and said there were many gathered and eating and not practicing social distancing. I also seen a picture on FB, they can’t be that naive and think they’re invincible. Lock’em up!!
Karma
March 29, 2020 at 11:01 pm
They don’t care. They’re all gonna die soon anyway. Actually, the Villages is kind of a Hell if you think about it.
Dianne Gardner
March 30, 2020 at 12:02 pm
Interesting to me as a Volusia county resident who does not have access to drive thur testing here…a partnership with the state and the University of Florida..set up for the Villages…hmmm???..am seeing the fine hand of DeSantis in this…the Trump bootlick..he needs you senile idiots in the Villages to stay alive to vote for him when he runs for president…so you have high levels of STDs, you obviously drink way too much and you ignored social distancing until it became really apparent that this might actually be a viral issue and a HOAX. ..bet you will have access to ventilators too when it becomes necessary ..and it will. and you’re all on Social Security and Medicare…Democratic presidential initiatives…FDR and LBJ..remember??
Dianne Gardner
March 31, 2020 at 8:13 am
Yeah…here we really go..DeSantis not shutting down state as he should so here is what is coming folks:
from 3-31-20 from Bloomberg
In six months, Florida’s death count may increase roughly 100-fold to exceed 6,700, the deadliest total in America after New York, according to projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle. On Sunday March 30, cases in Florida surpassed Washington, site of the first major outbreak in the U.S.
Sonja Fitch
March 28, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Wtf. Why did Desantis deny reporters from Miami herald and Tampa times from briefing?????wtf. Better be worried south and south west Florida!!! Desantis you are scum
Brenda
March 28, 2020 at 6:10 pm
This article is so biased against Republicans and Trump, it makes me nauseous. How dare you make my generation appear to be idiots. What is your opinion of all the stupid, selfish, irresponsible spring breakers who invaded our state and brought the virus with them?
Karma
March 28, 2020 at 11:39 pm
How’s the STD rate? Hey, if we’re all gonna die then eat, drink and f your brains out!!!!
Carol
March 29, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Yes. Get a grip. Trump is fake news. He is a disgrace to our country. Take the virus seriously or you will be the next victim.
You r al in la la land. When the casket rolls up to your door u will know. Idiots!
ThinkingAmerican
March 30, 2020 at 6:37 am
Brenda, same as Brandy, could you please point out where in the article the author blamed Republicans or Trump, or are you just politicizing to defend our Dear Supreme Leader who never makes mistakes and never said this was a hoax?
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/donald-trump-coronavirus-response-us-advertisement
I will agree on the spring breakers being irresponsible; the partying could have waited. Alas the virus would have gotten to FL regardless, and the disregard people in general seem to have met it with is not helping, so hopefully for everyone’s sake they’ve pulled their heads out of the sand and are listening to the sage advice of our nation’s amazing medical community before more have to die for their selfish disregard.
Dianne Gardner
March 30, 2020 at 12:36 pm
DeSantis needed to shut the state down…but he was following Trump’s edicts …this is a hoax, nothing to worry about blah blah..so now things have changed..and people are dying in massive numbers and The Villages are very vulnerable…old sick drinkers and fat….SO…you’re mixing your issues here ma’am… AND/// it’s not not your generation…its your party, the GOP. Most baby boomers are sane and read vetted news and know WTH is going on. Try reading some actual news. When you listen to Trump State News: FOX you will never know the truth. Trump sycophants on FOX…and the job pays very very well…they are not practicing journalism…
Dianne Gardner
March 30, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Your statement is right on the money Sonja…
DeSantis…First Amendment? Meet the press with honesty and truth? ..DeSantis..whatever Trump spews …he regurgitates…Christian? Tea partier? Fiscal conservative? Nah…a boot lick…on the government tit his entire life…he will kill many in Florida…get ready old folks..
Donny Powers
March 28, 2020 at 5:29 pm
I’m so sick and tired of these snow flakes telling us what we should and shouldn’t do! Stop this madness! As a 70 year old RED BLOODED AMERICAN I’m not going to believe in this HOAX! FOX’s Sean Hannity has said since the beginning this Coronovirus virus is 100% FAKE and 100% FAKE NEWS that Socialist Bernie Sanders and Obama have invented. Trump and Senator Devin Nunez have openly said go to the local pub and get close to people as this is a hoax created by the Democratic Party, The Villages needs to prove a point and the men need to start kissing each other more than usual. Sean Hannity and our savior Donald Trump have said from the beginning the Coronovirus is 100% FAKE NEWS
Donald Trump is an American success story!
He only inherited $495,000,000 from his father and eventually went broke. He then hard to borrow $50,000,000.00 from
His sister to pay his defaulted bank loans. If you think he’s not an amazing businessman you try and inherit $500,000,000.00 and become a Billionaire even though we don’t know he’s an actual billionaire because he hasn’t released his tax records. He’s a very devoted husband and father. When his 3rd wife was about to deliver there son Barron he was giving his wife much needed Rest and Relaxation by having sex with a prostitute/porn actress so his wife could be ready to deliver there son. Husbands, maybe you should try and give your wife space in her time of need. He’s such a Christian Man, when he’s reading TWO corinthians it reminds him to never ask for forgiveness because as he has said multiple times he has nothing to be sorry for! Maybe more Christians should live more like our amazing president???
Dorothy
March 28, 2020 at 5:44 pm
I’m 70 also and have every possible underlying condition. The difference between you and I is that I don’t choose to be a back seat driver. Perhaps you could have handled the situation better, as you seem to know everything. There is an election coming up soon, not to late to enter the race. Pick your battles, you’ll find you will have more time to enjoy things. Be safe.
Dana
March 29, 2020 at 9:39 am
I find it quite astonishing at a time when people are dying and suffering across our country and the world that you are ranting about Sean Hannity, FAKE NEWS and Donald Trump’s money, sex life and faith. Who really cares about this crap, right now? Honestly? Don’t you care about the country & the people living around you? We should be coming together at a time like this instead of bickering about nonsense. Stop focusing on partisan bashing and start protecting yourself from getting this virus. It is real & don’t think for a second it isn’t. My uncle was just in the hospital and my aunt is in isolation. There aren’t enough tests, beds, masks, ventilators, or hospitals to handle this epidemic. This is a GLOBAL catastrophe. We are lucky to be alive. You should thank god, that you are well, each day you wake up.
Dianne Gardner
March 30, 2020 at 12:50 pm
OMG…I fell out of my chair laughing…keep that stuff coming…thank you!!
Daria Grant
March 30, 2020 at 7:49 pm
creative writing at its best
Pat F
March 28, 2020 at 5:54 pm
You need to get your facts straight! How about investigating something then write about it! When you bring politics into your article, you loose all credibility! Grow up!
Karma
March 28, 2020 at 11:45 pm
Fancy that, an article about politicians gets political. Funny how trump made the coronavirus efforts all about HIM. How about trump trying to get a Quid Pro Quo from those Governors who said he moved too slow? (he was golfing after all.) He wants respect? Guess he doesn’t know HE works for the American people, even those who are currently dying from the virus. Until they take their last breath, HE works for THEM.
Hugo Fuguzeff
March 28, 2020 at 5:59 pm
Any good Floridian knows that this is a giant hoax backed by,
George Soros,
The Clinton cabal
And the DEEP STATE.
FOX TOLD ME SO
Todd Chad
March 28, 2020 at 6:16 pm
First off Mr Donny Powers!! You talk a lot of smack for someone on the Internet. Why don’t you say this to me and my buddies faces?? Come see us at our local bath house Right here in the heart of the villages!! FYI this is strictly for men on men zero women allowed. You will meet some of my friends Smith and Wesson or “say hello to my little friend Colt 45” Have I peeked your Interest yet? I’m a card carrying NRA member who does have a small number but I make up for it with my tough taking New York attitude. Me and my President Mr Donald J Trump have accumulated great wealth from Very little effort of our own but we Still demand respect!! Donald Trump didn’t have to take over his fathers 27,000 apts Unit business in New York City when his daddy died. He could of easily took his 500 million inheritance and walked away!! But he’s a mans man and chose the road less traveled and bankrupted multiple companies along his wake and become the President of the United States of America 🇺🇸 Good day sir!!!
Furd Burfel
March 29, 2020 at 1:57 pm
You, Sir are an asshole. When can we meet.
SIGNED: An ex-Life Member of the NRA.
Phylis Larson
March 28, 2020 at 6:52 pm
I find this article to be awful and you should be ashamed of yourself young man. I’ve been a homemaker for over 40 years while my husband worked at the factory to make ends meet for our family. We know own a beautiful modular home in the heart of the villages. My husband and I couldn’t be any happier and truly believe Sean Hannity and our fearless President Mr.Donald Trump when they say the Coronovirus is fake and anything we see on tv are fake actors and fake news pretending this virus is anything but a fantasy mace up by the Democratic Party!
Shame on them for paying all this money to get actors and actresses to put on fake news about this fake story! Sean Hannity said he will personally pay any hospital bills for any coronovirus victim because he knows there aren’t any! Good for you Sean for always telling the truth and keeping this country safe!
Dana
March 29, 2020 at 2:31 am
How dare you say this virus is FAKE. My uncle was just hospitalized in NY & my aunt is in isolation. Are you living in the real world or just gullible? We’ve had almost 59 people died in the last 5 days and 4,000 people are infected & that’s only the people who’ve been able to be tested. Florida’s elderly, should be taken seriously, as this virus, is a serious threat. I’m sorry but, this pandemic is not a partisan issue, it is a GLOBAL EPIDEMIC and if you don’t take it seriously, I feel very sorry for you. The country is just beginning to surge with ill people and there is not enough supplies, beds or hospitals to take care of them. Thank god, for our most of our Governors who are doing a fantastic job. This is a time for a compassionate leader who lets experts of medicine steer the ship. If we get our health underway, we can get our economy back on track.
DS
March 29, 2020 at 8:10 pm
So what you are saying is that the hundreds of thousands of people catching this virus and the currently 10,779 people who have died painfully miserable deaths worldwide from this virus is all part of a fucking hoax??? Really? Okay then, hey you evidently know it all, the jig is up folks, all of those who have died can get up now and stop faking your deaths.
Karma
March 29, 2020 at 11:05 pm
Yes, it was all a hoax against The Donald. A big, beautiful world-wide Hoax. It’s all about HIM. This virus has been very good for his TV ratings. He was bragging today about beating both the Bachelor and Monday Night Football.So the virus is good for him.
Anne
March 28, 2020 at 7:01 pm
Wow, journalism truly is dead. Never let a good tragedy go to waste. Your hypocritical ass is why I will vote a straight Republican ticket 🖕
Muh
March 28, 2020 at 8:44 pm
They’re going to be pulling a lot of STD laden body bags outta that dump.
Carly Bundy
March 28, 2020 at 8:45 pm
Every village needs its idiot, unfortunately here in The Villages, we have several to entertain us.
D33ZNUTT5
March 28, 2020 at 11:04 pm
Cull the herd!! If there was ever a community of more self righteous, antiquated, rude, and entitled sheep that needed a pandemic to sweep through it like wild fire, then it’s The Villages!! Hands down. Just ask anyone, and I mean ANYONE that lives around hell’s waiting room (The Villages), and they’ll tell you the same. Carry on I say!! Drink, play golf, and go out to eat, because that is literally the “ground hog day” these people live in every day. Interact as much as possible. It’s all fake! A hoax! You sheep do whatever dumb A Trump tells you to do anyways, so by all means, follow his lead!! Shake those hands, embrace, and don’t ever wash your hands. Natural selection never looked so good. Can’t wait!!!
Phil Ewanicki
March 29, 2020 at 12:07 pm
In the article “affects” = “effects” ?! Hope the fact-checking and the math checking is better than the spell-checking in this article.
Sgk
March 29, 2020 at 2:14 pm
Dead people do not riot!
Shut down and be safe. Leaving the golf courses open will make the villages The biggest cemetery in America
Sad days
March 29, 2020 at 3:19 pm
What a pitifully written article. It seems like it was written as random thoughts popped into his head. Absolutely no coherent thought process.
Annika Margit
March 29, 2020 at 11:39 pm
On the contrary, it states that there are cases in The Villages, the large proportion of Trump supporters ignored the Covid19 threat, and many continue to ignore it, despite the fact that there have been many cases surrounding the Villages.
Annika Margit
March 29, 2020 at 11:42 pm
When will these people start to take things seriously? Denial in this case can be deadly. If ever a case for “OK Boomer” was accurate, this would be the time.
ThinkingAmerican
March 30, 2020 at 7:02 am
Leaving without comment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTjTaR748eg
Don’t forget come November. For now though, please stay safe everyone and listen to our nation’s health experts, they are helping not lying and their recommendations will save many lives. The economy will survive this pickle we’re in, but we can’t bring back the ones we lose.
Jennifer Harding
March 30, 2020 at 7:42 am
The Villages has been a front runner in the state in testing – over 2000 residents tested so far less than one percent positive . Check your facts please , you can call the university of Florida to verify this. This kind of sensationalism is only pointed at trying to hurt an amazing community. My mother in lives in Venice in contrast and had to call her health dept over a dozen times to get a test even with a doctors referral. I live just outside the villages and drive through it all the time because frankly taking drives is the only safe thing to do with the kids and haven’t seen any of this gathering – so I’m sure it’s very minor.
Jan L
March 30, 2020 at 7:50 am
#FactsMatter … Montgomery County’s public health chief, Travis Gayles, sent a warning about the novel coronavirus in a Jan. 28 letter to all county employees. It recommended frequent hand-washing and avoiding people with symptoms.
—> That was nearly a month before President Trump tweeted on Feb. 24 that the virus “is very much under control in the USA.”
Dianne Gardner
March 30, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Facts matter..but not to Trump…or his followers…why I do not know…but they do not. And death will follow Donald Trump through this apocalyptic event..this is a virulent virus and it kills and it kills the typical Trump voter..old, white, fat and unhealthy and not fit…..drinkers and probably many smoke too….and horribly informed…
Diana Smith
April 1, 2020 at 11:54 pm
Poor Dianne Gardner you seem like a bitter lonely woman. Your description of The typical Trump voter is not true. Grow up!!!
Goodpeopleonbothsides
April 2, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Trump voters are some of the most uninformed, racist, ignorant people I’ve ever encountered
Sometimes the truth hurts
Diana
April 2, 2020 at 8:23 pm
Hmmmm, then It would seem you don’t know very many people.
Dana
April 2, 2020 at 9:09 pm
To Diana:
Hold up. Remember, we are one country – going through a GLOBAL pandemic. For godsakes 1,014,386 are infected and 52,993 are infected by coronavirus. Let’s get our priorities straight.
Please remember everyone is entitled to their opinion, please don’t take offense but I believe that Trump’s base is brainwashed & loyal to absolutely anything that comes out of his mouth. He is not and will not be the only game in town. Nationally, the Democratic advantage in the party registration states approaches 12 million. However at this point, we need to come together, as a nation, respect our stay at home rules and hope we can flatten the curve, quickly. Be well & stay safe.
Proud Ex-NRA member
March 30, 2020 at 10:30 am
Trump will go down as the worst President of all time with zero debate. He now has the “Highest” unemployment of any president under his watch. trumps daddy gave him all the money in the world to not fail(he even bankrupted a casino lol) Obama gave him a perfect economy when he left office…somehow trump even screwed that up haha. Btw, Village idiots here is an article comparing Obama vs trump in the stock market. Obama is even a better businessman compared to trust fund baby trump lol https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/chuckjones/2020/01/14/obama-had-more-stock-market-records-than-trump/amp/
Dianne Gardner
March 30, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Thank you…and Forbes ain’t exactly a Liberal rag…but sadly proud Ex-NRA member..this reading will make too many intellectual demands on these poor people…God help ’em..I feel pity for them..just wait till SS and Medicare gets gutted too…and that is coming 4 Trillion dollars in debt..OMG…..they will long for the decency of Barack Obama..the man who tried to give us all health coverage…and BTW won both the electoral college and the popular and could sing Amazing Grace in that Charleston church after Dylan “Storm” Roof shot all those black Christians after they welcomed him so warmly…can you imagine Trump ever doing that?
congratulation on being an EX-NRA member too..one day we will not be awash in guns
And one day presidents will not be “installed” by the Electoral college…a slavery driven device from our stained Founding…thank you for your piece.
Just not today..
Diana
April 2, 2020 at 10:36 pm
Oh brother
John Spanos
March 30, 2020 at 12:51 pm
I’d be terrified to be in The Villages right now for a couple of reasons (None are political). The first is hospital ICU capacity. The most obvious fact of the area is that there is a lack of hospital space in the event of a surge. The scary part is that every person infected in The Villages will likely require a hospital stay and many will require a ventilator and an ICU. There simply won’t be enough space or supplies to give the care to the demographic of patients that would be needed. This isn’t like NYC where many of those infected can isolate and deal with the symptoms without hospital care. This could lead to a very grim scene of Villagers over 65 being left suffocating on their own because care/ventilators simply aren’t available. I hate to say this, but the fatality rate of people over 65 with underlying conditions is higher than the rest of the population and because of this, doctors need to pick and choose who has the best chance of survival. This could lead to a distribution of resources (ventilators, masks, etc…) that doesn’t favor The Villages. We are already seeing this distribution being favored in New York (with statistical reasons supporting this). This could lead to a shortage of supplies from the get-go in The Villages where it might be “too late” in the event of a surge on the hospitals. It will not be known for sure if resource distribution is due to political gridlock but I know this…if the hospitals in The Villages are not supplied more than any other hospital, it could be a very sad and ugly scene. I’m hopeful and I pray these things don’t happen. I hope the hospitals in The Villages are stocked and prepared and that it’s residents understand that this could sweep through like a tornado. Stay safe everyone, drive your own cart when you golf and play great! God Speed.
DeSantis BLOWS
March 31, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Ron DeSantis is a USELESS IDIOT
CALL THE GOVERNOR TODAY
LOCK THE STATE DOWN
Diana
April 2, 2020 at 8:52 pm
All I can say is thank God Hilary Clinton is not President or worse Joe Biden we would be in even worse shape. Joe Biden still disagrees with shutting travel down to Europe and China. Yikes!!!
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