Gov. DeSantis says employers barring workers from COVID-19 vaccine isn’t an issue
Image via Jason Delgado.

DSC00134
It is a problem at one South Florida private school.

Unlike laws prohibiting vaccine requirements in Florida, protections for workers with bosses who oppose vaccines for those within their ranks is unnecessary, Gov. Ron DeSantis explained Tuesday.

The Senate discussed such protections during the 2021 Legislative Session. However, it failed to gain traction within the chamber.

Speaking Tuesday to reporters in the Capitol, DeSantis suggested the employee protections are largely unneeded.

“The idea that a business is going to say, ‘prove to me you haven’t been vaccinated’ – that’s just not going to be an issue,” DeSantis said. “The issue is, are you going to say you have to show this to come into a movie theater or a ballgame or whatever?”

At least one place of employment has hinted that employees’ jobs could be in jeopardy if they get the vaccine. Centner Academy, a South Florida private school, issued guidance to teachers there NOT to get the COVID-19 vaccine, arguing debunked claims that vaccinated individuals could somehow pass along reproductive problems to other non-vaccinated individuals. The school is not allowing vaccinated teachers to have contact with students and stands by its claims.

DeSantis’ remarks come a day after a bill that would permanently ban vaccine passports in Florida landed on his desk.

The bill restricts entities from requiring a patron or customer to provide documentation that proves they received a COVID-19 vaccine in order to gain access to or service from the business.

The bill (SB 2006) also empowers the Governor to override local orders if they are determined to “unnecessarily restrict individual rights or liberties.”

“(When) government is forcing you to do all these things, well then people say, ‘well why am I getting vaccinated?’” DeSantis continued. “(Do) the vaccines not work? I think we have to send a message that the vaccines work.”

“To say to somebody: ‘you got to wear six masks after you’re fully vaccinated, that is not evidence based,’” the Republican Governor added.

DeSantis on Monday lifted all local emergency orders, a move that seemingly suggests the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind Florida.

President Joe Biden’s administration, meanwhile, has remained hands-off on vaccine passports.

Desantis in April credited himself for Biden’s timidness on the issue, noting that his opposition may have led to Biden’s uncertainty on the topic.

Jason Delgado

Jason Delgado covers news out of the Florida State Capitol. After a go with the U.S. Army, the Orlando-native attended the University of Central Florida and earned a degree in American Policy and National Security. His past bylines include WMFE-NPR and POLITICO Florida. He'd love to hear from you. You can reach Jason by email ([email protected]) or on Twitter at @byJasonDelgado.


2 comments

  • Mary Hampton

    May 5, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    Do Florida’s governor believe in science. Or is he a scientist. Proven knowledge shows his methods are wrong. Don’t y’all do what he says. Your life is on jeopardy

  • PeterH

    May 5, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    Bobby Jindal’s “Party of Stupid” gave birth to an ignoramus governor like DeSantis! …… Donald Trump gave our fool hardy governor the megaphone to prove Bobby Jindal correct!

Comments are closed.


#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Anne Geggis, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Gray Rohrer, Jesse Scheckner, Christine Sexton, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704




Sign up for Sunburn


Categories