Speaking In Pensacola, DeSantis Addresses Rising COVID-19 Cases, Especially Among Younger Adults

June 29, 2020

Speaking in Pensacola Sunday, Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed the rising rate of COVID-19 among younger adults.

In May through June, the rate of positive COVID-19 cases across all demographics was in a stable two to three percent range, but in it has recently soared to 10 to 12 percent, with the largest case increases in young adults.

“That positive increase is really being driven by a big increase over the last three weeks in individuals testing positive throughout the state of Florida in younger age groups, particularly 18 to 44,” DeSantis said. “And if you look at that 25 to 44 age group, that is now by far the leading age group for positive tests in the state of Florida, and that’s something that is pretty new.”

MORE INFO: Escambia County COVID-19 Cases Jump 38.6% In One Week, Positivity Rate Rises

He attributed the increase among younger Floridians to socializing.

“Basically, I think from talking to folks, this is basically socializing”” he said. “You have graduation parties, you’re going out and doing different things and in certain environments that is going to be conducive to transmitting the virus.”

“It’s important to identify who may be carrying this so even if they aren’t significantly ill from this, that they don’t pass it to somebody else, who may end up being more vulnerable to serious illness,” DeSantis said during a press conference Sunday afternoon at Sacred Heart Hospital.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

41 Responses to “Speaking In Pensacola, DeSantis Addresses Rising COVID-19 Cases, Especially Among Younger Adults”

  1. Shelia smith on July 1st, 2020 7:01 pm

    If you worked in the health care environment you would have a difference of opinion of this virus. Recently one local hospital has up to 25 cases and rising in their nurses. Of course no one is going to tell you it’s spreading through our healthcare personnel. Soon the hospitals will be overwhelmed be their staff will be sick. Good job people.

  2. David Huie Green on July 1st, 2020 1:16 pm

    CONTEMPLATING:
    “COVID is yet another attempt at the democrats trying to ruin Trump’s chance at re-election.’

    Democrats went to China to introduce a disease which killed people around the world, including Democrats, and is still killing thousands daily — just to get at djt?

    “This is not nearly as deadly as the seasonal flu”

    And yet it has already killed more than twice as many as flu does in a VERY bad year?

    “They failed with Stormy”

    djt’s “fixer” paid the lady to not tell the truth about him before the election, so how did anybody fail? They got their money’s worth.

    “they failed with Russia”

    djt obstructed investigation of Russian interference in American elections. He succeeded in hiding any part he and his folks may have played. If they played no role, he didn’t need to block the investigation. He and his son openly sought the help of the head of the former KGB, so what was worse that he is still hiding?

    Now we’re told they may have been paying to kill American servicemen and women. djt tells us he was never told AND that he was told they weren’t sure. Yep, Russia is happy he’s running things.

    “they failed with impeachment.”

    Yes, they did. They showed he was using power of office for personal benefit and breaking his oath of office (along with multiple lies to the American people and laws brokem), but his party decided such things aren’t important, so he continues to lead us.

    “a phony pandemic and race wars.”

    I guess it is STILL just a HOAX, FAKE NEWS, DEEP STATE CONSPIRACY (the mirror image of HDRC’s Vast Right Wing Conspiracy) and the dead are just pretending?

    Meanwhile, djt proudly supports people chanting, “White power, white power, …” and Vladimir is still his BBF.

    David for sanity (we’ve tried the other)

  3. Sherry on June 30th, 2020 6:51 pm

    @donna &@Coleen how unfortunate for the people around you, and where do you shop? I’d like the people I love and care about to avoid you and your family as plague bearers. We’re starting a list. We’re also starting to support safe businesses. Because DeSantis does not care about NW Florida. We have no representation over here.

  4. Jer on June 30th, 2020 5:06 pm

    If you are ignorant enough not to wear a mask to protect yourself and family,and prevent the spred of the disease, you deserve what ever happens whether it be sickness or death. And all you morons talking about infringement of your rights if forced to wear a mask should be held legally responsible if you infect someone. But it is hard enough to get ignorant people to wear a condom so an attempt to even save a life is probably asking too much. 2020 may end up being the year of the survival of the smartest and it is about damn time to thin the herd of the stupid.

  5. Cope Cheryl on June 30th, 2020 1:36 pm

    Colleen is spot on! I am a retired RN and masks cause more problems than the virus. I have Dr. Fauci on video saying people should NOT be walking around in masks. He talks out of both sides of his mouth and has been wrong in all his predictions. Masks to the virus is like a mosquito going thru a chain link fence. The WHO wasn’t going to call this virus a “pandemic” until Bill Gates donated millions to them and guess what……the next day the WHO called it a pandemic. Yes, check the article on the internet…we’ve been played the the fake news media has lied and pushed this “fear mongering” panic. If it makes you feel better wear one but it can cause hypoxia. All of you saying we are not wearing one for our freedoms….you better wake up! Why do you think we live in America…..FREEDOM……and I for one don’t won’t to lose that because we will never get it back! We have had a taste of Socialism the last 4 months and I don’t want or like it!!’ People need to quit judging people who don’t wear masks! If you think they work then why do you fear someone without one? And if they work…why did the whole country have to shut down….and if they don’t….why are we forced to wear them. It is absolutely positively a political virus! And all these hypocrites are infringing on our rights. And, the fact that the mayor can pick and choose who can be eliminated from mask wearing is absurd….city, state or federal bldg can be exempt….that speaks volumes! We are having an increase because people want to LIVE not just EXIST and the state is prob having an influx of vacationers. People are developing antibodies and they are counted as new cases when positive. Dig for your OWN research don’t trust the media!! They tell YOU what THEY want you to THINK. I want to attend church, weddings, see my loved ones in the hospital not dying alone, have parties etc. Your freedoms disappeared overnight and people fell in line like sheep being led to the slaughter. Politicians are laughing behind you backs.

    “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty or Safety.” ~ Ben Franklin. May God help us all!

  6. 007 on June 30th, 2020 11:08 am

    WEAR YOUR MASK WHEN IN PUBLIC.IT SHOWES RESPECT TO JOHN DOE STANDING NEXT TO U.THANK U.

  7. tell me now on June 30th, 2020 10:54 am

    Colleen, until masks are proven to not save even1 life, I will wear one. would you just maybe sacrifice a little to wear a mask to save even 1 life until masks are proven to no good. i do not believe this is too much to ask.

  8. IMO on June 30th, 2020 10:21 am

    Right on, Colleen!

  9. Lee on June 30th, 2020 10:20 am

    The best we can do is patronize businesses that are taking this virus seriously by implementing safety measures for both their employees and customers. Those not doing so are part of the problem.

  10. Colleen on June 30th, 2020 7:05 am

    I know exactly how it works. However, I appreciate being able to think for myself based on real data and not fear mongering propagated by politicians and the media. As I stated before, someone’s fears should not dictate other’s actions. In addition, the majority of people I see don’t even wear them properly, from wearing them too loosely, wearing them below their nose or chin, or pulling them down to talk. Also, a manager and employee from a large chain store have told me they have to wear a mask per the CEOs because “it is what the public wants to see,” not because of safety. I am all for keeping people safe, but not based false assumptions and people’s feelings.

  11. Martin on June 30th, 2020 12:31 am

    Colleen :

    You clearly don’t understand how this works, we need to slow the transmission/ flatten the curve because our health care system will be overwhelmed. Which means lower quality care, tent hospitals, and many non coronavirus deaths.

    Me wearing a mask protects you/others and you wearing a mask protects me.( therefore it’s very unfair that people refuse to wear a mask for a short amount of shopping time.)

    Dr Fauci warned the risks and dangers of opening economy too soon.
    People still refuse to wear mask if it’s not mandatory,which proves ignorance and selfishness.

  12. B100 on June 29th, 2020 8:48 pm

    Cindy – what would democrats do to control behavior and what would they do about the ‘unemployment sham’?

  13. mat on June 29th, 2020 8:18 pm

    Tammilynn,
    Read the article on 6/26/20 from the Mayor of Pensacola.
    He describes it better than I can.

  14. jordan on June 29th, 2020 8:17 pm

    well, what i missing so much right now is WWE – that is a sarcastic remark (oh, by the way where did the 15 million go??)

  15. mat on June 29th, 2020 8:11 pm

    Tammilynn,
    The walmart on mobile hwy is not in the Pensacola city limits.
    That rule only applies to the inside of bussinesses inside the
    Pensacola city limits.

  16. JD on June 29th, 2020 7:39 pm

    Yes most of the younger people nowadays were raised in a sterile environment. So that pretty much sums it up. Being in the dirt and exposed to things at a young age pays dividends years later.

  17. Retired nurse on June 29th, 2020 7:02 pm

    ONCE again, the surgical and homemade masks don’t protect you from exposure to the CCP virus! They are for protection of others.

  18. Don on June 29th, 2020 6:15 pm

    donna. don here. I know what you mean , I get drunk and drive on the wrong side of the road and I think you and everyone else should get out of my way. if you do not like it then stay home. I endanger your life and you endanger other peoples lives. maybe if a family member gets covid you might have a different attitude at the funeral. I hope it does not happen to me or you.

  19. Colleen on June 29th, 2020 5:25 pm

    Until we have real data, everything we are being asked to do is based on supposition and speculation. First of all, there is not accurate data on the amount of positive cases as many people show no symptoms or have very mild, nondescript ones. Therefore, they are not tested, and their positive results are not factored into the numbers we are being presented by the media. Students are taught in 5th and 6th grade about numerators and denominators and percents. if one of those numbers is incorrect, then the data based on them is incorrect. In addition, more than once the so called “experts” and politicians have stated that wearing a mask is about the feelings of others and virtue signaling.

    Furthermore, if it is so contagious, why do all members of a household not become infected when one member does? There are instances I know of personally where one person tested positive, but no one else in the home, regardless of age, became infected.

    Also, why is it okay for some groups to gather without masks and keep a safe distance while it is not allowable for others? During protests, people were allowed to do as they pleased without repercussion, but others, such as businesses are being shut down? In addition, masks do not have to be worn in government offices.
    When I apply common sense, it just doesn’t make sense. I do not believe the virus is selective as to where and when it is transmissible. It is sad that people had to watch loved ones die on an iPad but others were allowed to gather and protest.

    Finally, I am not scared of you, and your fears do not dictate my choices. If I am concerned about a situation, I modify my choices and behaviors. I do not expect everyone else to adjust their lives because of what I think. Respect goes both ways. I have no problem with anyone choosing to wear mask or not attend group activities, but they should respect others who feel differently.

    Just as influenza and the common cold (which is a corona virus) continually changes (that is why we have to get flu shots each year, and there is not one for the common cold), COVID-19 may act in the same way. If that is the case, when does it stop. Make good choices. Wash your hands regularly and keep your hands away from your face. I will not live in fear.

  20. Cindy on June 29th, 2020 4:19 pm

    Wearing a mask

  21. Cindy on June 29th, 2020 4:14 pm

    Any surprise? Its mathematically certain. The virus is in control and doesn’t care about dates of operation.
    It’s very simple wear a mask and quit complaining about loss of freedom. This is what needs to be done until we have a vaccine.

    Hopefully people will quit voting for the republicans. Florida is laughingstock of the world right now, unable to control behavior and the unemployment sham.

    Yes, BLM, don’t blame peaceful protesters

  22. BRING IT ON on June 29th, 2020 3:55 pm

    It doesn’t matter what you do. When it’s your time the grim reaper doesn’t discriminate. There comes a time when the quality of life is what’s important. I particularly think stuck at home being non productive staring at 4 walls is not for me. I’m sick and tired of brainless leaders telling me what’s good for me. Use your God given judgment and let the rough end drag.

  23. Tammilynn on June 29th, 2020 1:59 pm

    So do people in the age range of 35-60 count as youngsters? They run around with no masks n they openly hack all over the place. Don’t forget about the parents running around with their 5 kids with no protection. This little chat he came here to do was a joke n helped no one. I go once a week for supplies at Walmart on Mobile Hwy n 15 out of 100 people are wearing masks maybe. After the announcement about everyone having to wear masks in businesses they were still allowing people without them in. We need real help not just some idiot that wants money to keep flowing in. If I knew how to find that person I would. The Governor is doing nothing. Someone needs to step in n actually in force some die hard rules. Please help.

  24. Roderick Williams on June 29th, 2020 1:58 pm

    Well let’s see beaches are open back up to soon night clubs and bars too when the beach open you have people traveling from other city’s and you have people not wearing mask like they suppose to. You have people from Florida traveling to other city’s and coming back and not known who they have came in contact with or known if they tested positive or not but then you have the government and president saying open the country back and get the people back to work not thinking about the people health. I feel that there should another shut down in country and things are not to open up until there is a cure for the virus. and schools need to remain closed and kids should do virtual school but known the government and president they feel they know what’s best for people.

  25. Be Smart on June 29th, 2020 1:52 pm

    Dont hang this on Govt. They have told us what needs to done. It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect themselves and follow the recommendations. If you don’t and you get sick, you have yourself to blame. Encourage others to follow and dont put yourself in those places that are not following the guidelines.

  26. Ross on June 29th, 2020 1:50 pm

    So wait… if we had done what needed to be died and had everybody stay home and quarantine for 30 days .. that means no ,Walmart no bars no driving, no CVS no McDonald’s just stay home.. dont go no where else. The virus probably would have died away because it would have given 14 days for the people who had the virus to pass it and other people who contracted another 14-days to get passed it.. now if we’d stayed home for 30 full days and no one left like some countries we might actually have this under control but then again that’s crazy talk right let’s just watch a couple more thousand people die

  27. Rufus Lowgun on June 29th, 2020 1:36 pm

    “If we could all work together keep our immune compromised home while our healthy population keeps are economy going and builds up natural healthy immunities .ON No Wait That would be to simple !!!”

    Probably because at a mortality rate of 2% (which is understating the numbers according to the numbers published on this website, which are provided by the state), the result would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 million dead Americans. Do you think that is an acceptable price for you being able to get a cheeseburger and a haircut?

  28. CW on June 29th, 2020 1:26 pm

    @Donna

    I don’t think you understand how the masks work. They aren’t meant to keep you from catching the virus, they are meant to help stop you from spreading it to others unknowingly.

  29. Earl on June 29th, 2020 1:16 pm

    Our great governor of Florida….what do you want to open up next….are you kin to Cuomo …you know the other circus clown

  30. Wayne on June 29th, 2020 1:14 pm

    The leader of this tragedy is on DeSantis

  31. Wally on June 29th, 2020 1:12 pm

    The ppl that are out in the streets protesting,in my opinion are not displaying selfish behavior,as rather SELFLESS behavior …if you will consider the way that our civil,and constitutional rights have been stepped on for generations and without any regards to some type of conversation directed towards a resolution,or even acknowledging that the truth to these issues hewn from ppl that refuse to see the that issues even exist…is why I have to applaud the gatherings of these young ppl to wanna see a better USA,and to be able to honestly address what’s been ignored for centuries, and their desire to see a more fair and inclusive life for all AMERICANS…if this means potential harm to oneself, then it’s worth the risk. When was the last time you stood for something beyond yourself?…WP (US Army Veteran) BLM

  32. David on June 29th, 2020 1:00 pm

    Its every politician that claims to be a know it all on the virus
    Worst thing to do is listen to politicians shooting from the hip and dont know squat
    DeSantis can keep doing the Cuomo meida spotlight and acknowledge they dont squat
    In fact DeSantis passed the buck as I said before to let local idiot politicians and so called leaders to take charge….thats why we have escalated the covid …from following politicians recommendations …the idiots cant deny it either

  33. Fed Up on June 29th, 2020 12:48 pm

    How do people not see that COVID is yet another attempt at the democrats trying to ruin Trump’s chance at re-election. This is not nearly as deadly as the seasonal flu, this is not an opinion this a fact based off of actual data from the CDC. They failed with Stormy, they failed with Russia, they failed with impeachment. Its been a 3.5 year with hunt and this is their Hail Mary … a phony pandemic and race wars. Time to wake up.

  34. Mary Baldwin on June 29th, 2020 11:32 am

    I can’t help but wonder what Rick Scott would do if he was still in office about covid doesn’t seem as if the government now don’t give 2 rats butt about it

  35. Thoughts on June 29th, 2020 10:32 am

    The age group that primarily works in the service industry, retail, tourism…can’t just finger point to saying it’s them socializing…theres more to this

  36. Donna on June 29th, 2020 9:41 am

    And again why can’t healthy human get this virus and help with building up immunities ? Why is it someonelses responsiblity for you wearing a mask to protect yourself ? Why can’t the people with compromised immune systems stay home wear mask in public wash their hands ? Let’s break that down so everyone can under stand . If I’m unmask and you are masked I cough then you being masked are protected and if my sneeze gets on a solid surface and you touch it but you keep your hand away from your face and wash your hands . How Again are you to get this virus ? IF YOU PROTECT YOURSELF !!!! If we could all work together keep our immune compromised home while our healthy population keeps are economy going and builds up natural healthy immunities .ON No Wait That would be to simple !!!

  37. Common sense on June 29th, 2020 7:45 am

    Hmmm… well let’s see. Beaches open full swing, night clubs and bars, gyms, shopping, and all other activities that attract this age group for the most part. I wonder how that would cause an increase in that age range. Now restaurants are beginning to have to close back down, lifeguards are testing positive, what next? I believe the step phase idea wasn’t quite enough time and people tried to get back to the old “normal” too quickly. I know businesses are hurting because of this but now opening things up has caused an increase because people don’t know how to SLOWLY get back to being in the public. And, senior citizens who are even more at risk are having to suffer the consequences of younger society whining and complaining about not having anything to do this summer because nothing is open. So we open places back up to satisfy the “babies” and this is what happens. Sad but true. And yes my income has been affected also for anyone who wants to throw that card out there. It sucks but it’s just the way things are right now.

  38. Lol on June 29th, 2020 7:35 am

    One problem we have (which is obvious when you get out in Pensacola) is that there’s a huge percentage of our population that doesn’t want to wear masks. I will refrain from trying to blame anything on one person or point fingers because everything from the protesting to making a grocery store run is chancing a spread of the virus. But I will not be told that the mentality our president has had with this virus hasn’t been the cause of some of the “oh, it won’t affect me, I won’t get sick, wearing a mask isn’t helping anything” kind of mentality.
    When the “leader” of your country acts in a certain manner, there’s a crowd that will follow. This has been a “political” issue for too long and needs to be an issue of science and medicine……..(also a little kindness to your neighbor and common sense never hurt either)

  39. Jim Peckard on June 29th, 2020 6:23 am

    And still nothing said about the protests being at fault for the covid spike. Wake up people

  40. Ret MSGt on June 29th, 2020 5:33 am

    How many protestors tested postive?

  41. Lone chief on June 29th, 2020 2:44 am

    Maybe the “younguns” will soon realize they are not bullet proof now. A couple of simple steps to protect others isn’t too much to ask. Lot of complaining about loss of personal freedoms, etc…etc… bunk!!! Still many folks not making any attempts to help others. Can one get much more selfish under the quise of “freedom” ? Freedom doesn’t mean selfish, self-centered behavior.