In a recent courtroom settlement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces criticism and accusations that withholding critical COVID-19 data may have cost lives.
DeSantis’s Struggles Amidst COVID-19 Controversy
This COVID-19 controversy couldn’t come at a worse time for DeSantis, who is struggling in his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, dealing with financial issues and declining poll numbers in early primary states.
Death Toll Updates Spark Legal Battle
The legal battle that led to this settlement started in June 2021 when the Florida health department ceased daily updates of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccinations on its online dashboard.
DeSantis Defends Decision
DeSantis’s administration defended this decision, claiming that it was no longer necessary as cases had significantly decreased and Florida was returning to normal.
DeSantis Claims “Media Hysteria”
However, as DeSantis downplayed the pandemic as “media hysteria,” the Delta variant surged, leading to a record 385 daily cases in Florida by September 2021, accompanied by a surge in pediatric Covid-19 hospitalizations.
Critics Speak Up
Critics didn’t hold back their disapproval. DeSantis was branded “the Pied Piper of Covid” for his executive order banning mask mandates in schools and legislation that granted him veto power over local coronavirus mandates.
“That Decision Cost Lives”
In response to this situation, Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democratic former state congressman who initiated the lawsuit, stated, “Twenty-three thousand Floridians died during the Delta surge, and not only did the DeSantis administration restrict information on Covid during that time, they repeatedly downplayed the severity of the outbreak to fit their political narrative and help DeSantis run for president. That decision cost lives.”
Protect Our Public Records
Smith also emphasized the importance of public access to health data: “All Floridians have a constitutional right to public records and receive them in a timely manner.”
Smith Has Had Enough
Smith continued, “And what’s interesting about the governor’s arguments about Covid is he repeatedly talks about giving people the choice over masks and vaccinations, but without critical public health data, how are they able to make informed choices?”
The Hidden Data
The settlement became inevitable when an appeals court ordered the health department to produce documents containing Covid data it claimed did not exist, revealing the administration’s deception.
Department of Health’s Response
The Florida Department of Health stated that the settlement didn’t constitute an admission of wrongdoing or violation of any law.
Relief Over Access to Data
While the situation remains contentious, public health experts expressed relief that Covid data would be made accessible again.
Political Shake Up
The controversy has shaken DeSantis’s presidential campaign further. He faces declining support in early primary states and financial troubles.
Champion of “Medical Freedom” or Liar?
His efforts to position himself as a champion of “medical freedom” by defying federal health guidance on Covid-19 booster shots have not been sufficient to counteract the fallout from the data withholding scandal.
DeSantis’s Declining Support
This challenge comes at a crucial juncture in his quest for the Republican presidential nomination, with many observers questioning whether he can regain lost ground.
Can He Recover?
DeSantis’s campaign, which once touted him as a courageous freedom warrior, now grapples with a tarnished image and mounting challenges, while the nation watches to see how it will affect his political future.
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The post “That Decision Cost Lives” – Explosive Scandal Unearths Hidden Secrets in Ron DeSantis’s Pandemic Response first appeared on Mama Say What?!
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