DeSantis Says He Won’t Issue A ‘Shelter In Place’ Order For Florida

March 23, 2020

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday afternoon that he does not intended to issue a “shelter in place” type order for the state, but he does intend to restrict persons arriving by air from New York and New Jersey.

“That would be a very blunt instrument….It’s not really clear to me that doing an entire massive shutdown of the entire state would work,” DeSantis said during a news conference from his Tallahassee office. He said people will be noncompliant has been evident in videos from other states where such orders are in place.

“A governor is not going to start imprisoning people just because they leave their house,” he said.

“This is not a virus that’s impacting every corner of the state. We have 20 counties that have zero cases,” he said.

“It’s not going to be easy in the days and weeks to come but we will get through it and we’ll be there for you,” DeSantis said.

“We’re going to work hard together as a community and we’re going to come out of this on the other side stronger than we are now.”

DeSantis said he will issue an executive order requiring a 14-day self quarantine for travelers arriving by air from COVID-19 hotspots New York and New Jersey. He said there were 190 flights scheduled from the New York area to Florida on Monday, and he would think each one probably had someone positive on the flight.

Comments

40 Responses to “DeSantis Says He Won’t Issue A ‘Shelter In Place’ Order For Florida”

  1. Dwn on March 25th, 2020 7:25 am

    If a disease, like Newcastle’s, gets a foothold in an area of the poultry industry, what do you do? Isolate it. Otherwise, the whole poultry industry is at risk.

    If an invasive insect, like the Asian Long-Horned Beetle, is found in trees near a campground or in street trees, what do you do? You cut and burn every ash tree infected and surrounding the area, lest the forest and forest industry be severely impacted or permanently lost.

    If a chemical leak occurs from a tank, and it’s spreading into ground water, what do you do? Contain it, and remediate the known plume in the water.

    If a virus is highly contagious, and disseminates itself by respiratory droplets in close proximity to other people or by touch on doorknobs, subway handles, hugs, and kisses, what do you do?

    Easy. Pretend it’s a hoax and overblown.

  2. Alright now on March 24th, 2020 10:07 pm

    @calm down:
    Where have you seen a case fatality rate based on total population? Base it off number of cases (there are likely many more active cases than our very limited testing has allowed us to confirm).

    You’re right; we take at least some risk doing nearly anything in our daily lives. Our time is not promised.

    This virus took 8-10 weeks to “run its course” before China and South Korea saw reductions in new cases. I’m not saying we should shut things down completely but some common sense goes a long way in preventing our health care system from being totally overwhelmed…. Flatten the curve of this thing.

  3. Dw on March 24th, 2020 8:37 pm

    How many of you that are complaining the state isn’t being shut down are staying home?

  4. J in PERDIDO on March 24th, 2020 5:39 pm

    Thank you Gov. DaSantis for having the courage to challenge the establishment. The most presidential acting man amongst the bunch.

  5. JOHN on March 24th, 2020 3:52 pm

    ECSO is stretched way too thin under Morgan so how could you even enforce a stay at home order in Escambia County?

  6. Shara on March 24th, 2020 3:14 pm

    Ok Governor- when you provide a test to every one of your 21 million constituents and prove just how many are really infected, then we can talk. To all you people worried about money, just remember better alive to keep working, than dead with money in your pocket. Governor, your hospitals and doctors are not prepared to handle all these sick people. Just ask the Mayor of Miami if he believes this is real.

  7. Jennifer on March 24th, 2020 2:53 pm

    This is negligence. It is insane to base decisions like this off of current data when you know well and good that not nearly enough testing has occurred to result in that data being anywhere close to accurate. I guarantee that those published numbers are a grossly under representing the actual active cases in this state. I pray to God I’m wrong. That would be wonderful but incredibly naive. Just because you live in this country, or state does NOT make you immune to what you see happening all over the world. So shortsighted and dangerous.

  8. Compliant on March 24th, 2020 1:28 pm

    The fact that these corporate stores are still allowed to remain open and be non-compliant still in the Escambia county as I walk into Walmart there’s 50 people in the store they’re not social distancing the employees have not marked a square 6 feet between where we should be standing they do not have Lysol wipes or hand sanitizer at the cash register where everybody touches that thing called a credit card machine…so the employee ….you can wipe down the credit card machine that most of us use … .also goes to Tom thumb workers who throughout the day have hundreds of people use the gas pumps there should be available Lysol wipes hand sanitizer or an employee who continuously goes out there and wipes the handles down I know to each their own we all do our own thing but where is the motivation to help stop this virus from corporate stores they’re not helping they’re promoting the spread of the coronavirus so your governor does not care about us he would like us to actually get sick because he’s not enforcing and mandating strict rules and regulations on any of us …. he just agrees to shut all businesses down he agrees to keep the community open you can go to the park but just don’t touch the equipment if this virus is airborne and you get it by just someone sneezing….if it’s as contagious as they indicated.. then why are we allowing people to still walk about freely in the most devastating areas like Miami they’re the worst case so far in Florida there’s fights out in public but yet let’s not put any restrictions in place stating if you don’t stay home you will have a misdemeanor charge plus a fine and or days in jail when allowed like I said our precious governor does not care about us he would like us to get sick it’s money for him from the government

  9. Don Neese on March 24th, 2020 1:25 pm

    Your death rate percentages are a tad low. It’s actually 100%
    At the end….WE ALL DIE!!! 100%

  10. LISA O ENNIS on March 24th, 2020 12:43 pm

    So our health is at risk because of alcoholics and domestic abuse. Really??

  11. LISA O ENNIS on March 24th, 2020 12:42 pm

    So we are at risk because of alcoholics and domestic abuse. That is ridiculous

  12. Kris on March 24th, 2020 11:36 am

    The Governor should have done a shelter in place days ago. Apprx 300 more cases overnight, when all the tests start coming back, it will be even more. The businesses that are allowed to remain open are very busy, WalMart, Winn Dixie, Target, it’s going to keep spreading.

  13. Calm down on March 24th, 2020 11:31 am

    @alright now; the rate of fatalities vs. total population is much lower than 2-3%. Do the math yourself it’s common sense. Also if we term this virus “deadly”, than we must also consider driving, flying, swimming, and so many other things we engage in every day “deadly” also.

  14. Lee on March 24th, 2020 10:38 am

    It isn’t relevant how many people die as a result of car accidents, guns, etc., COVID 19 deaths are in ADDITION to those numbers. It’s not as if since one happens, the other is okay, especially since there are measures that can reduce chances of infection. Italy has had nearly 7,000 deaths and still has at least 65,000+ positive case. They are struggling to deal with the number of dead, saying they have “lost” an entire generation. Unless we get this under control the economy isn’t going to matter anyway. Be diligent and be safe. Consider the welfare of everyone, even strangers.

  15. Alright now on March 24th, 2020 10:08 am

    @ Calm down:
    The statistics say this virus IS a deadly virus – the death rate is much higher than 0.01% as you stated. Check a reliable source and you will find that estimates are closer to 2.0 – 3.0%. Even the seasonal flu averages 0.1% death rate.

    This rate varies significantly from country to country, state to state, and county to county. However, the virus is a threat to everyone. Everyone should take this seriously – this should be a wake up call to many people.

  16. Lisa Ennis on March 24th, 2020 9:14 am

    I dont think this was thought out very well. Our health is at risk because of domestic abuse and alcoholics. Really!!

  17. Mrriver on March 24th, 2020 8:57 am

    So what im reading is ..The risk is worth the reward..So if 55000 to 65000 die it is thats fine its not worth shutting the economy all the way down…Karma is a bit..h.Watch how fast that changes if The Gov or The Pres gets the virus…JS

  18. Calm down on March 24th, 2020 7:48 am

    Folks read the statistics, not the dramatic stories and headlines. By the numbers this is not considered a deadly virus. In Italy the death rate is somewhere around .01%. That’s not even close to the rates we see in America for things like drunk driving etc.. Do we shut down the whole economy? Of course not. Use common sense, if you’re older or immune compromised stay home! Don’t crash the rest of the country for a mild sickness. The problem is the political correct garbage we have to deal with now. No life isn’t fair get over it.

  19. Cathi jo Price on March 24th, 2020 6:53 am

    I have an 82 yr old mother who still works a full time job….I emplore you to take this thing seriious ….we shouldn’t have to have cases on every county….we should stop now before we turn into NYC….why do we have to say we arent there yet?????we should all stay home and allow tetailer …emergency workers and healthcare workers do what they need to do ….but put everyone else in their homes…..PEROOD
    we are supposed to save lives not RISK LIVES

  20. David Huie Green on March 24th, 2020 1:05 am

    REGARDING:
    “We need to shut down incoming flights or we will never get rid of this virus.”

    Once it is already in the country, shooting down ever plane and sinking every ship will not stop it. (It could slow the spread though, just not as much as keeping physical distance and washing with soap and water.

    AND
    ” It’s all driven by bad journalism and politics”

    There is some of that when folks deny people are dying and that there is an exponential growth rate of new cases until behavior changes. There is also politics involved when politicians tell you it is all just a hoax generated by “Fake News” and that everything is under control and that there enough tests for everyone and that their gut informs their decisions.

    We need people we can actually trust, not liars and parrots.

    David for honest information, reasonable action

  21. bill l on March 23rd, 2020 10:39 pm

    Great job governor, so glad to see someone with common sense and courage. We need to stay calm, wash our hands and keep our distance.

  22. Terri Kelley on March 23rd, 2020 10:39 pm

    @Joyce…You are as ignorant as your President. Seriously….I’m assuming you must not be an American citizen because if you are, he is your President as well. You are an insult to this Country. You guys have done nothing but bash anything that is being done to help offset this madness. It’s people like you making people crazy. I’m not taking it lightly but you have to have some form of life in between or none of us will survive. If you don’t like how things are being done, then you should have ran for office. You and all the other people who think no one should leave their homes, are more than welcome to hibernate until it’s over. Please don’t come out and most certainly don’t leave your house!

  23. Dusty on March 23rd, 2020 8:38 pm

    At least someone has some sense. People are loosing their minds over nothing. Do we not remember h1n1? This is nothing in comparison and yet no one started prepping for the apocalypse then. It’s all driven by bad journalism and politics

  24. Joyce on March 23rd, 2020 8:12 pm

    Gov. DeSantis, you are as ignorant as your President if you don’t take this virus serious. It is deadly, it spreads easily, it lays quiet for 2 weeks before it rears its ugly head all the while allowing the virus to continue to spread unknowingly. The economy will recover. We will get through this. It will take time. But undermining the medical professionals that tell us that we need to self quarantine and follow social distincing is Not taking care of your fellow Floridians. Do the right thing. Do your duty. Think of your own elderly family members and treat everyone as you would for them. You could be a better human being if you stop sucking up to Trump.

  25. Steve on March 23rd, 2020 8:00 pm

    Shutting down the state would be a gross overreaction. Given the spread and even the global numbers it doesn’t merit this. There has to be an economy left when this is over or what the heck did we save. New quicker test are coming out almost daily (latest one 4 minutes) and therapies are being developed. Compared to the other causes of death in America we have already been disproportional.

  26. Lydia on March 23rd, 2020 7:42 pm

    I think the governor is handling it well, sorry to all you naysayers but I have to wonder if you’ve lived in the south long. A lot of southerns would freak at a mandated shutdown, like gun shops have been selling out around here. Sometimes you have to treat people like children, you tell them they can’t do something and they are more likely to. If you want to get mad at anybody get mad at the people choosing to be risky and go out more than needed, you think those people are going to stop from a mandated shutdown? Not likely.

  27. Willis on March 23rd, 2020 7:41 pm

    @ Come on now Governor

    Don’t be a Covidiot.
    New York has absolutely nothing we need.

  28. Bruce Davidson on March 23rd, 2020 7:26 pm

    The Governor better look closely at the timed comparison of case growth worldwide starting from March 1 to present: It’s not pretty and USA’s number of cases is now second only to Italy and still growing…

  29. Lee on March 23rd, 2020 7:20 pm

    This is ridiculous considering Florida has the highest percentage of people over 65 in the country. Not to mention that we haven’t yet seen the ramifications of allowing spring breakers to remain on the beach last week while we were being told to stay home. Medical experts expect that Louisiana and Florida will be the next areas to see a sharp rise in cases, so why even consider loosening restrictions now?

  30. Gordon on March 23rd, 2020 6:57 pm

    Thank whom for their leadership Bonnie??? DeSantis needs to get off his high horse and learn from the other countries. I agree with Ally. He is a coward and a murderer if he does not see the light and act more responsible. Where was his responsibility a week ago for making the decision about quarantine those that fly in from N.J. and N.Y? You are a Monday morning quarterback and this is totally a reactionary move. We need proactive actions… not some politician to wait until a more of a crises occurs to REACT! You will me known as a politician that DID NOT make a difference during this time of need.

  31. Come on now Governor on March 23rd, 2020 6:22 pm

    Will the Governor of New York please move to Florida and take over the operation of the state? Our Governor is playing politics with human lives.

  32. Stupid on March 23rd, 2020 6:15 pm

    Blood on your hands Governor? I say yes. Quit being a politician for once.

  33. Chris on March 23rd, 2020 5:44 pm

    The only problem I see is that not taking more steps to slow this thing will result in businesses and citizens lives being affected longer when we could slow this thing down now. Most people would rather have their lives wrecked for 2 to 4 weeks, Then this state we are in now for 2 to 3 months are longer. Do people forget that a large number of people depend on these warm months to make a living for the year? There are alot of mom and pop businesses that are not going to make it if this extends into fall. That includes the people they employ. We are more then half way to shelter in place already. If your not going to stop this thing, you might as well open businesses back up. Pick a direction, this middle road will get us nowhere.

  34. Just an American on March 23rd, 2020 5:41 pm

    Yet the numbers continue to grow through all county’s. If we continue to keep the public open to others ,we will continue to spread this virus. No one knows 100% ,who or how it keeps spreading. As long as we are all out working and in any contact with the public we will continue to keep this going. Government officials need to do their jobs , protect Florida , protect all Americans. God bless you all. Stay safe and protect each other.

  35. E Z on March 23rd, 2020 5:34 pm

    Great! Here we go again. If they had a 2 week stay at home at the end of January then we would not be the third on the list of the most people with the virus in the world. They did NOT start soon enough and are still not making people stay at home. In a few weeks it will be like putting a little bandage on the Titanic and in a couple of weeks we will be sinking,

  36. Ally McCloskey on March 23rd, 2020 5:33 pm

    Seriously!!! Does anyone understand that the state of Florida is probably 20%+ the known confirmed numbers. Be intelligent. Gov. DeSantis you are a coward! Florida will become Italy. You need to be removed from office. You are arrogant and completely delusional that this will pass with low impact. Human lives. Thank God Sarasota and Manatee, and other counties were brave and intelligent enough to shut down the beaches in those counties since you were such a coward. Do you not understand what is about to happen in the next couple of weeks. You are the killer, the murder of many deaths to come in the state of Florida.

  37. Concerned Citizen on March 23rd, 2020 5:21 pm

    Totally agree with you Bonnie.

  38. Chris on March 23rd, 2020 4:57 pm

    Hello and welcome to the sunshine state. We hope you enjoy your stay as you visit us from New York and California. So far, only 2/3 of our counties have positive Covid-19 results but on the bright side, the other 1/3 or 20 counties are ok. I know you flew here so we ask you shelter in your hotel room for 14 days and please don’t infect the staff that have to tend and clean up after you, they do have families to go home to. In the mean time, beaches, restaurants and bars are closed so feel free to mingle in our grocery stores, libraries and community centers. Enjoy and thank you for being us what we don’t want.

  39. Bonnie EXNER on March 23rd, 2020 4:52 pm

    Thank you for your leadership, Gov.DeSantis in these harrowing times..your testing and 14 day of quarantine of air plane arrivals is so necessary in stopping the spread of COVID 19.Also too much armstrong regulations can possibly lead to mass rebellion. MAY GOD BE WITH ALL OUR FIRST RESPONDERS,MEDICAL PERSONNEL, SCIENTISTS SEAKING A CURE,AND OUR LOCAL,STATE AND NATIONAL LEADERS WHO HAVE TO MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS IN THE TIMES AHEAD.

  40. Jerry on March 23rd, 2020 4:36 pm

    We need to shut down incoming flights or we will never get rid of this virus. People on airplanes are breathing the air of every passenger on the flight. Air is recirculated and no new air is introduced.