Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday there was no need for a new public health emergency despite the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations around the state.
A large vaccination drive among the elderly — 85% of those 65 or older are vaccinated — as well as new antibody treatments for those who detect the virus early are helping keep death rates low compared to last year, he said.
“Between the vaccinations which were done, and I think we’ve done almost 12 million shots, and then the treatments — those combined can reduce this to basically a flu-level risk,” DeSantis said during an event in Port St. Lucie to highlight a job training grant. “What we’re seeing with the elderly that have been vaccinated, you’re definitely seeing a reduction in mortality.”
