South Beach Superspreader

Posted on by Thor

Miami invested 5 million dollars on an ad campaign to convince people to come to South Florida during the pandemic for spring break. Tourism in Florida generated over $91 billion in 2018, but due to COVID-19 lock down measures Miami lost billions of dollars in 2020.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has no mask mandate in place for the state. It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that spring breakers will take no safety precautions when they come on mass to Miami beach to party hard and spread the virus.

A new variant of the virus imported from Great Britain called B117 now accounts for more that 40% 0f new cases of COVID-19 in Florida. Florida has more cases of the variant than any other state. B117 is more contagious and more deadly. We are at a tipping point as the slow roll out of vaccines is racing against the exponential growth of this new variant. Global health expert Dr. Peter Hotez has warned that these spring breakers could “spell disaster” for the country. “It’s the perfect storm,” he said. When all the drinking and partying is over the college students will return home to seed the virus all over the country. I am amazed that Florida Governors are happy to repeat the same mistakes they made exactly one year ago.

More than 1 million Americans traveled domestically and internationally over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day which likely seeded the B117 variant in the USA. The B117 SARS-CoV-2 variant, identified in 33 states thus far, will dominate other strains in the coming weeks, triggering major COVID-19 surges such as those seen in Portugal and the United Kingdom—unless the United States immediately scales up surveillance and mitigation efforts. However in Florida, bars, restaurants, and clubs will remain open because Miami is unable to keep them closed due to a state executive order from Governor Ron DeSantis. He chose never to implement statewide mask mandates. Last year, Florida became of the biggest states to loosen COVID-19 restrictions when DeSantis reopened all restaurants, hotels, and bars at full capacity. Let the parties begin as the new variant spreads like wildfire.

Bribes for Vaccines in Florida

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At a time hen many of Florida’s elderly were smuggling to find COVID vaccine doses, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making sure rich donators get first dibs on COVID-19 vaccine shots. An ultra-wealthy and exclusive community called Ocean Reef Club, on the northern tip of Key Largo received enough coronavirus vaccine doses for 1,200 residents over the age of 65, according to a Miami Herald report on March 3, 2021. Homes at Ocean Reef range from $900,000 condominiums to homes worth more than $10 million, according to the club’s website.

Former Illinois governor Bruce Rauner (R), who is from that exclusive community, was inspired to donate $250,000 to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s war chest. 17 other Key Largo residents have contributed to the Friends of DeSantis committee over the past four years.

Last month,  he organized a COVID vaccine pop up site in a mostly White, affluent part of Manatee County and then threatened to take vaccine away from counties where officials criticized his approach. Residents could only get the vaccine if they were from that exclusive zip code. “If Manatee County doesn’t like us doing this, then we are totally fine with putting this in counties that want it,” DeSantis said at a news conference in February 2021. “We’re totally happy to do that.”

Critics have also accused DeSantis of using the vaccine distribution plan to appeal to donors; he has raised more than $2.7 million in February alone since he began the “pop-up” clinics, the Herald reported. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried called for a federal investigation into Governor Ron DeSantis’ handling of the vaccine distribution.

Half Mast for Rush

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Florida Governor Ron DuhSantis said he will order flags flown at half mast for the passing of the late conservative radio host, Rush Limbaugh. Rush died at the age of 70 from lung cancer. He was a long time denier of the risks of smoking. As he put it, “Smokers aren’t killing anybody.”

Rush’s hate filled radio take show helped fuel the divide that allowed the former 45th president to rise to power. Rush was the king of polarization and hate. The former president followed in his foot steps and gave his mentor a Medal of Freedom in return.

Usually flags are only flown at half mast in the event of the death of a present or former official of the Florida State government or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from Florida who dies while serving on active duty.”

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) called the governor’s decision “an embarrassment to Florida.”
“Rush Limbaugh weaponized his platform to spread racism, xenophobia and homophobia across the nation,” she said in a tweet. “His constant hateful rhetoric caused untold damage to our political landscape.
Florida Senate Democratic leader Gary Farmer issued a statement in which he said, in part, “I condemn the governor’s decision in no uncertain terms. Any move to lower our flag in deference to a man who helped drive the hatred and inflame the prejudices against marginalized groups, people of color, women, and anyone who did not look like him or think like him is wrong, and should be rescinded.”
DeSantis made his flag statement February 19, 2021 at a fundraiser he was holding for more than 100 mostly maskless donors at Hilton Palm Beach Airport Hotel. Palm Beach County has a mask mandate aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19. The mask mandate is in effect in the county until March 19, 2021. Facial coverings must be worn by anyone obtaining any goods or services, or otherwise visiting or working in any business or establishment in the county. The hotel is now under investigation to see if they should face fines and penalties.
There were 5117 new cases of COVID-19 in Palm Beach County and 219 people died on the day of the flag announcement. In my illustration, Sanford Florida firefighter Andrew Williams, who was photographed inside the Capitol points at the flags. He pleaded not guilty to two charges connected to the Capitol riots in a Washington federal court on January 19, 2021. He is facing one count of unlawful entry of a restricted building and one count of disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The FBI has two videos and one still picture of Williams inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. According to the filing, in one of the videos, Williams allegedly turns the camera on himself and then says, “We are storming the Capitol. Yeah baby!” Rush would be proud.

Travel Ban

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The Joe Biden administration is considering whether to impose domestic travel restrictions, including on Florida, fearful that COVID-19 mutations are threatening to reverse hard-fought progress on the pandemic. Discussions in the administration over potential travel restrictions  focus on how to prevent the spread of variants that appear to be surging in a number of states, including Florida and California.

The U.K. variant, known as B.1.1.7, has recently surged in Florida, where over a third of all cases in the United States have been identified. “This is a war and we’re at battle with the virus. War is messy and unpredictable, and all options are on the table,” the White House official said.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said “It would be unconstitutional. It would be unwise and it would be unjust,” February 11, 2021 at a vaccination site in Port Charlotte, on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Florida leads the nation in the number of known cases of the B.1.1.7 strain of the coronavirus, the variant that emerged in the U.K. Researchers says the variant now accounts for up to 15% of the new cases statewide. Because it is more contagious, public health experts worry the emergence of the variant could accelerate spread of the disease. Florida had 202 deaths per day on January 11, 2021 and those numbers are slowly settling with a seven day average of 170 deaths a day on February 10, 2021. A Boeing 732 has 174 seats so the state is still experiencing the deaths of a commercial airplane crash every day.

 

 

Super Spreader Bowl

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The 55th Super Bowl is sure to be the cause of an increase in COVID-19 cases nation wide. The NFL tried to make the stands safe in Tampa, by limiting attendance to 22,000 fans, 7,500 of which were vaccinated health care workers. It seems a strange idea to honor health care workers while packing 22,000 fans into a stadium. Other seats had been sold for $100 and fans sent in photos which were made into cut outs to fill the empty seats.

In a video message before the Super Bowl, President Joe Biden called for a moment of silence for the 460,000 Americans who had died from COVID-19. Boos could be heard from fans in attendance. In the few televised views of the stands fans could be seen without masks or wearing them as chin straps. It became clear at game time that fans were seated too close together in the stadium defying any possible 6 feet of social distancing.

In Tampa, Mayor Jane Castor announced a temporary ordinance requiring that masks be worn outside in several popular gathering spots. The order states that violators could be fined $500 as a “last resort.” Another ordinance requires masks at any indoor location when social distancing is not possible. That would include many bars and restaurants but not private residences. It became clear that these ordinances were ignored and not enforced. Thousands of mask less fans flooded the streets of Ybor City in Tampa after the game. This scene was played out all across the country in bars and pubs.

Case numbers are finally dropping all across the country but new variants are arriving which make the virus much more efficient at infecting more people. Health officials fear the game could seed new cases at exactly the wrong time. Mask It Or Casket said on Twitter, “There are too many people in this stadium. Go crawl in a hole and disappear, DeSantis.” Florida Governor Ron DeathSantis who was at the game did not wear a mask. Rep. Ron Wright (R of TX)  died of COVID-19 on Super Spreader Sunday.

The CDC urged fans not to hold Super Bowl parties this year. They advised fans to have outdoor viewing party using a projector screen and of course wear a mask with two or more layers, avoid direct contact like handshakes or hugs, bring in fresh air through windows and doors, and encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks. Even if fan at Super Bowl parties started with good intentions they are sure to have let their guard down after taking a drink any time an announcer said, “Sukup.” Though the CDC advised watching the game at home, there were many local bars and pubs which held Super Spreader Bowl Parties.

Some rabid  fans dress eerily similar to the QAnon Shaman who was one of the many insurrectionists arrested after the attack on democracy.  The most impotent lesson from this game is that the team with the most points won the game. This is a simple concept most former presidential supporters don’t get.

Central Florida COVID Fines

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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings created an Orange County Code Enforcement Strike Team that goes to Central Florida businesses to see if they are enforcing safety guidelines such as social distancing and face coverings.

First-time offenders could get away with a warning. Fines begin at $500. Fines of $1,000 to $5,000 per day could be issued for repeat violations and a $15,000 fine could be issued for “irreparable or irreversible” violations like a “super-spreader” event.

Since Florida’s phase three re-opening in September 2020, pictures have surfaced outside local businesses of big crowds and few coronavirus safety protocols.

Demings’ order specifically says it does not conflict with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order which suspends the collection of fines and penalties associated with COVID-19 which is “enforced upon individuals.” Demings says that because his order calls for a non-criminal code enforcement penalty on businesses.

Three Orange County businesses received citations and 19 got warnings over a nine-day period that began on New Year’s Eve as the county continued its crackdown on establishments that fail to maintain coronavirus safety standards. Over 6,000 businesses have received visits. In all, 98% have been in compliance with executive orders.

Among the businesses fined are, nightclubs like Celine and Social in downtown Orlando, The Knights Pub and Infyniti Nightclub near UCF.

Restaurants fined include, Country House Restaurant, Hank’s Crab Shack and Seafood, Hong Fu, Napoli Pizza & Sub, Tin Roof, Truffoire, a kiosk at The Florida Mall.

Other assorted businesses include, 7-Eleven at 3000 W. Colonial Drive, Knight Library, Universal Hyundai, and USA Smoke Shop.

Florida Vaccine Tourism

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Vaccine tourism involves people visiting other states across the country in search of COVID-19 vaccines. “Frustrated by crashing appointment websites, shortages of COVID-19 shots and a patchwork of confusing eligibility rules, people with time and money are heading out of town in pursuit of a potentially lifesaving inoculation.”
Tourists have been visiting Florida, Hawaii, Colorado, New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut, according to Bloomberg.

Vaccine is in short supply across the country. People who have set up appointments are finding their appointments canceled due to the vaccine supply running out. Stated simply there was no plan for this historically huge emergency distribution plan. The Joe Biden administration is hoping they can get the situation under control, but the previous administration kept them in the dark.

My sister in south west Florida worked hard to get her first vaccine shot. It involved dozens of calls and setbacks. when she was waiting for the shot in a line of cars she noticed the car in front of her had a New Jersey license plate. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he doesn’t want out-of-state residents coming to Florida to get their COVID-19 vaccines, which are in limited supply, and is pushing a new restriction on the vaccine distribution. There have been multiple media reports about wealthy residents of other states or other countries flying to Florida to get COVID-19 vaccines. These included real estate developers, attorneys, Hollywood insiders and the mother of an Argentine television personality. There are now only two social classes in America, the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated.

A Florida Department of Health database indicates that 39,214 people who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida were from out of state, representing 3.5% of the 1,122,405 people receiving a vaccine. Individuals with an out-of-state identification now will be required to provide proof of residency or semi-permanent residency to get a vaccination through the Department of Health in Brevard County. Examples include a utility bill, property tax receipt or lease agreement for Florida property.

Vaccine Hunger Games

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The botched United States Government roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine has been referred to as the Vaccine Hunger Games. After being sworn in, President Joe Biden found out that the former administration literally had NO PLAN for vaccine distribution. His administration will have to start from scratch. The former administration said there was a reserve of vaccines on hand to be used for a second inoculation for people who got the first shot and Biden decided to use that reserve to get more shots in arms up front. However once in office he found out that there was no reserve.

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has had a disjointed plan in distributing vaccines. The Governor said he is not smart enough to figure out how to best get vaccine shots in arms. He is leaving it up to hospital administrators. At first hospitals were assigned the task of giving the shots to essential workers but the governor’s plan quickly changed to include anyone 65 years and older. That forced health departments to scrap plans to inoculate grocery store clerks and teachers. By setting the age to 65 instead of 75 the Governor created a melee as thousands fought for the limited supply of vaccines. It would be survival of the fittest or most tech savvy.  Senior citizens sat in lawn chairs sometimes overnight to try and get the limited number of shots. People are facing dead phone lines and overloaded websites which crash from the overload. Many are having to travel to other counties in their quest for a shot. The statewide vaccination rate is less than 5 percent of the vaccine that was sent to the state. Since every state has its own plan the overall distribution has been chaos up until now. On top of this each state has no idea how many doses they will be getting which making it impossible to ramp up the distribution process.

On a positive note, it looks like the National case numbers are starting to fall from the height of over 250,000 cases a day earlier in January. I also post risk levels for each state each day and for a solid month every state was blood red meaning every sate was a high risk for COVID-19 infection. However over the last weeks several northern states have been showing signs of improvement. Today Maine turned green for the first time in months meaning it is moving in the right direction. The effects of vaccines on the numbers will not be immediate so the basic precautions, of wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands often, are the best defense of combating this virus until enough people are vaccinated. About 90% of the population needs to get the vaccine for herd immunity to protect everyone from the virus. The other 10% would be protected thanks to the virus’s inability to spread among the other 90% of the population. It will require a major campaign to convince 90% of Americans to get vaccinated.

My sister in South West Florida made it her full time job to get vaccinated and I am thankful that as of yesterday she succeeded. It was a log arduous battle for her but she won the Hunger Games.

 

First Come First Served

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Florida Governor Ron DeathSantis said “In the state of Florida, our priority is our senior citizens,” Anyone 65 years or older was told they could get a COVID -19 vaccine shot. However the demand is high and the supply short.

My sister in south Florida has been trying to get the vaccine ever since it was announced that it was available for senior 65 and older. She called CVS and they had no clue what was going on. She called the local hospital and was told that once front line workers and the Vets got shots it would become available for seniors. She continued her quest calling another hospital. She then called the health department and got a recording and left a message.

She then found out that the shots would be available at a local park but then discovered that appointment slots needed to be filled out online. So many people went to the online appointment site that it crashed. She found out she needed a consent form and then found out the distribution was paused until January 6, 2021. Another city had phone appointments available but the appointments filled up in minutes. She is now considering driving to another county to try and get the shot. This has become her full time job to try and find a way to get vaccinated.

Some seniors have been waiting in long lines overnight in an attempt to get the vaccine. This is now week four of the roll out of the vaccine in Florida. Though the governor claims his priority is to vaccinate Florida seniors, he has left the distribution up to each individual hospital, creating chaos and inefficiency. He seems to have learned from Trump how to take no responsibility for distribution. Assisted living facilities are still waiting for vaccines. Rather than answer reporter questions he just barks loudly.

Warp Speed Vaccine Distribution Plan

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Operation Warp Speed immediately hit a snag just days into Pfizer distributing doses of the COVID-19 vaccine across the country. It is no surprise that the Trump administration would bungle the distribution pipeline.

Governors across the country were frustrated that the number of doses they expected was cut by nearly half in some cases, and they were left in the dark as to why for several days until a federal official took responsibility on Saturday December 19, 2020.

For several days governors tried to get answers about the distributions shortfalls. Lack of clarity from the federal government represented a huge headache for states as they scrambled to adjust their vaccination programs.  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Tuesday December 15, 2020 that Florida could receive less than the 452,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine that the state was expecting because of a “production issue” on the part of a vaccine manufacturer. DeSantis said that two shipments of the vaccine slated to be sent to Florida in the coming weeks are “on hold right now.”  Though the Governor pointed a finger of blame at Pfizer, the blame seems to rest on the Federal Government. Pfizer immediately sent out a statement contradicting the Governor. “This week, we successfully shipped all 2.9 million doses that we were asked to ship by the U.S. Government to the locations specified by them,” Pfizer said in an official statement. “We have millions more doses sitting in our warehouse but, as of now, we have not received any shipment instructions for additional doses.” Both sides have been accused of using the media to negotiate, and fingers have been pointed, in every direction.

Operation Warp Speed chief operating officer, Army General Gustave Perna, said that he overestimated the number of vaccine doses that will be available to states next week. Originally, the number was 7.3 million, but Perna now says only 4.3 million doses will be available. “It was a planning error, and I am responsible,” Army General Gustave Perna said, according to Politico. “We’re learning from it. We’re trying to get better.” Perna said the numbers differ because he failed to account for the time required to get all of the vaccine doses approved by the FDA to be distributed.

Pfizer’s vaccine requires the patient to be injected with two doses taken 21 days apart. Putting aside so many doses for second shots adds to the logistical nightmare of distribution. Florida was supposed to submit a detailed plan to the federal government about its strategy by Dec. 4, 2020 but that plan has not been made public despite numerous requests from news organizations. For now the Trump administration has basically decided to pass daunting task of distributing vaccines to individual states, a strategy it used to address the pandemic this spring that led to disastrous results. Distribution will likely continue to be a confused mess until the Joe Biden administration can begin starting January 20, 2021. Biden’s team appears to be regularly meeting with pharmaceutical executives without the Trump administration.