JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 100 physicians in Florida today urged Gov. Ron DeSantis to require basic safety measures to protect Floridians from COVID-19 during the Republican National Convention events in Jacksonville.  COVID-19 cases in Florida are rapidly increasing following DeSantis’ early reopening of the state in May, with its biggest one-day spike recorded Thursday, June 11.

The physicians urged DeSantis to require the RNC to implement mandatory mask-wearing and six-feet social distancing at the convention site. Their letter also asks DeSantis to implement an aggressive rapid testing regimen in Jacksonville and surrounding areas.

“Physicians and public health experts all agree that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has a duty to take every precaution to keep people safe, especially at crowded events like the Republican National Convention,” said Dr. Leo Alonso, an emergency medicine physician from Jacksonville. “All the data we have tells us that basic safety measures can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks and maintaining personal distancing of at least six feet. While we understand that many Floridians and Americans are ready to put COVID-19 behind us, the rise in infections and deaths reminds us that COVID-19 is not done with us yet, and we must redouble our vigilance.”

Masks can prevent COVID-19 from spreading among individuals and their widespread use can reduce the rate of infection. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says keeping a physical distance of six feet, or two arms’ lengths, between individuals can reduce infections.

Trump is expected to accept the Republican nomination at Jacksonville’s VyStar Memorial Arena, which holds 15,000 people, on Aug. 27. Republicans decided to relocate most of their national convention from North Carolina to Jacksonville because N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper asked Republicans to implement safety measures such as wearing masks and social distancing.

About the Committee to Protect Medicare

The Committee to Protect Medicare is an advocacy organization made up of frontline doctors engaging in direct advocacy and communications in support of a stronger healthcare system in America. To learn more: http://committeetoprotect.org/

NOTE: The physicians below are speaking in their capacity as members of the Committee to Protect Medicare. They should be identified only as indicated in this news release. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020
CONTACT:
Az Ibrahim, 616-227-1940, azlan@committeetoprotect.org