Florida lawmaker turns to monoclonal therapy days after taking part in no-mask press conference
Fischer stood with DeSantis Monday, and got COVID-19 treatment days later.

Fischer Desantis Jax
Legislator went from press conference participant to patient.

Days after showing flu-like symptoms at a no-mask press conference with the Governor highlighting monoclonal therapy, a Jacksonville-area legislator took advantage of a treatment for COVID-19.

Rep. Jason Fischer documented his breakthrough case and use of monoclonal therapy in a tweet Friday evening.

“I just got monoclonal antibodies,” Fischer stated. He tested negative earlier this week, but his son was positive.

Despite his own vaccination, Fischer displayed breakthrough symptoms and availed himself of the Regeneron treatment at the Jacksonville Public Library based on his doctor and he believing he had the virus.

Fischer urged those who need the treatment to get it immediately.

The legislator’s story offers yet more proof of the positive effects of monoclonal antibody therapy, which DeSantis rolled out in Jacksonville weeks back. Monday’s press event saw DeSantis accompanied by Toma Dean, who went from being photographed face down on the floor to being proof of the therapy’s benefits.

DeSantis noted Jacksonville thus far had set the pace for monoclonal treatments administered; Jacksonville was the first site in the state to have access to this therapy.

Fischer stood next to a legislator at the event who himself had a breakthrough case and offered his own monoclonal testimonial.

“This is not a disease or a virus you’re going to tough out,” said Rep. Cord Byrd.

It’s worth noting that DeSantis and the legislators were unmasked. DeSantis has expressed qualms about the utility of masking, and his administration is at war with myriad school districts that have issued mask mandates despite an executive order and rulemaking prohibiting them.

Fischer currently represents House District 16. He is running for Duval County Property Appraiser in 2023 and has not filed for reelection to the House.

In recent weeks, Duval County has seen declines in case count, rates of positive testing, hospital beds used for COVID-19 patients, and ICU berths, according to records with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trends have been positive for all demographics but the pediatric, with cases presenting real challenges in local schools.

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has been the Northeast Florida correspondent for Florida Politics since 2014. He writes for the New York Post and National Review also, with previous work in the American Conservative and Washington Times and a 15+ year run as a columnist in Folio Weekly. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski


10 comments

  • Frankie M.

    September 3, 2021 at 9:15 pm

    So he tested negative but got the treatment anyway? Does his son go to one of these mask optional schools? I hope he at least got a new personality while he was getting the antibodies.

  • Frankie M.

    September 3, 2021 at 9:16 pm

    Mask optional read charter schools he loves so much

  • Impeach Biden

    September 3, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    Then there is that idiot Biden walking through a New Orleans neighborhood “OUTSIDE” with his mask on along with all of his other idiot handlers. What a joke. A mask outside? GMAFB!!!!

    • Ocean Joe

      September 4, 2021 at 7:46 am

      Ed, you are sounding quite feisty. Remember W, whose feet never touched the ground over Katrina, who left supervision to Brownie, an Arabian horse breeder who donated heavily and was put in charge of FEMA? “You’re doing a heck of a job Brownie!”

    • Al

      September 4, 2021 at 10:45 am

      Yes just like a past President carrying a bible around a protest. As if he is religious and leads a good Christian life.

    • Maria

      September 4, 2021 at 12:47 pm

      What’s your problem? I wear a mask outside in crowded conditions, as recommended. Stop being such a critic and wear a mask.

      P.S. Biden will not be impeached, but Agent Orange may be indicted for several crimes.

      • Su Hall

        September 5, 2021 at 1:17 pm

        So do I, @Maria. If half the people weren’t running around maskless, it might be different.

  • Rhonda

    September 4, 2021 at 4:40 am

    Everyone should wear a mask. Y not put a mask on. Why would you want to catch someone else’s germs. You catch what they had and be worse than them. People protect yourself. Cause the hospital are full. And I would like to have my own room. Not laying in the hallway and they forget about you. So put that mask on.

  • Maria

    September 4, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    No, thank the Biden administration for providing monoclonal antibodies free of charge to Floridians who refuse to wear masks.

    DeSantis was quick to implement these antibody sites for his political advantage. How do I know this? Because he refused federal money for food for children. Why? Because federal money for poor children would not provide him a political advantage. And refusing the money would help him with his base. What a craven politician and what a vile base.

  • TJC

    September 7, 2021 at 6:28 pm

    Maria, Su, Rhonda, thank you for your logical (and no name-calling) remarks. You’ve set a good example for the good old boys here, let’s hope they notice.

Comments are closed.


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