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DeSantis Declares State Of Emergency As Coronavirus Spreads

Brynn Anderson
/
Associated Press
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about the COVID-19 virus on Monday, March 2.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed a state of emergency declaration for the state of Florida in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

He just announced the declaration at the Capitol late Monday afternoon.

“The reason why we’re doing that is that it allows us to create a unified command structure. It also allows, if need be, out-of-state medical personnel to operate in Florida. It allows us to move swiftly to purchase supplies.”

DeSantis also reiterated the recommendation that the elderly and those with compromised immune systems should not to go on long cruises or flights, and practice social distancing so they lower the risk of contracting the virus.

Sky Lebron can be reached at slebron@wjct.org, 904-358-6319 or on Twitter at @SkylerLebron.

Former WJCT News reporter