DeSantis is making the tough calls to keep Floridians safe from COVID-19 | Letter to the Editor
Tourism is Florida’s No. 1 industry. In normal times, we love our state’s reputation as America’s prime vacation spot. But with the arrival of the COVID-19, out-of-state visitors — especially from places like New York and New Jersey — can carry with them, while unintentionally, this dangerous virus.
That’s why I support Governor DeSantis’s recent travel restrictions so strongly. He has made tough calls to protect Florida’s citizens. Now, any visitor from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut must self-quarantine for 14 days, to ensure they aren’t carrying coronavirus. One of our neighbors to the west, Louisiana, has also been unfortunately hard-hit. In response, Governor DeSantis has set up travel checkpoints on Interstate 10 in the northwestern part of the state, ensuring once again that Florida maintains a safe border from high-risk areas.
Governor DeSantis has also shown true leadership in negotiating the safe arrival of the Zaandam and Rotterdam cruise ships, which Florida has allowed to dock after weeks of uncertainty. Governor DeSantis found a solution that both addresses the ship’s humanitarian needs while protecting the safety of Florida’s citizens: 13 critically ill passengers will immediately be treated in Ft. Lauderdale, while healthy passengers will be transported home by chartered flight and bus without any public contact. This solution will save lives without putting undue strain on our healthcare system or placing Floridians at risk.
These aren’t easy decisions; and my heart goes out to those communities which have seen difficult outbreaks. However, these are unprecedented, uncertain times. Above all else, it’s a governor’s job to protect the citizens of his or her state. I am proud and grateful to know that my governor is watching out for Floridians’ safety.
I look forward to the day—hopefully soon, with this virus behind us—when we can once more open our doors to all comers.
Kathleen King
Republican Party of Florida, national committeewoman
Bradenton
This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 12:53 PM with the headline "DeSantis is making the tough calls to keep Floridians safe from COVID-19 | Letter to the Editor."