COVID and Florida

The issue that has taken over our lives in 2020 is undoubtedly the COVID-19 virus. I think it’s safe to say that it has impacted all of us, although to varying degrees, depending on our careers, family, and location. Florida has received an inordinate amount of attention, both positive and negative, regarding Governor Desantis’ handling of the virus response. This post is my personal perspective on what is happening in Florida and life here in the ‘Year of COVID’.

First of all, I will start with the current numbers. Florida right now has had 1.2 million cases identified and 20,000+ deaths. That’s a lot. But there are some important caveats to bear in mind, not just in Florida but everywhere (and I’m not diminishing the impact of the virus for those afflicted). First of all, the number of cases does reflect positive tests. There are people who are tested repeatedly, for a variety of reasons, such as their job requirements, vulnerable family members, etc. Conversely, there are probably a number of asymptomatic positive people who never get tested. So this is a high number, but I wouldn’t bet money on it actually being the number of COVID-positive people in Florida. Could be higher, could be lower. The death count, also, is somewhat questionable in terms of COVID being the actual cause. As one example, there was an individual here in Florida who died in a motorcycle accident and the death certificate listed COVID as cause of death. This case made the news when the family reacted publicly. Keep in mind, also, that health care facilities are testing patients for COVID. So if a patient comes in with a heart problem and tests positive, that diagnosis will become part of the record. Health care providers maintain those records for purposes of accuracy, statistics, and also to demonstrate that they are testing and treating COVID patients (this relates to reimbursement, a different topic not for today!) I mention all this not to cast aspersions on anyone, but rather just to explain how these numbers are perhaps not totally reliable. That being said, COVID has caused death and illness, and Florida has had it’s share, to be sure.

Governor DeSantis has been the subject of praise and criticism for his handling of this pandemic response. Florida did initially take strict measures, even going so far as closing beaches, which you better believe was unpopular. This was deemed particularly important in areas like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, going into Spring Break especially, where hoards of college kids gather and are certainly not ‘social distancing’. Miami, Orlando, and other big cities and tourist areas were hardest hit, as well as some farming areas where the workers were primarily immigrants and lived in shared housing. Those areas really represented the early surges. It’s important to understand, for anyone not very familiar with Florida, that we have a lot of rural areas where population is much more sparse. Those areas were last to see cases, except in the farming example I just mentioned.

Florida is now mostly open for business

Governor DeSantis began to lift up restrictions in May, although restaurants weren’t allowed to fully open, and other restrictions still applied. Hot spots were not opened at that point. The numbers of cases and deaths did not explode, alhthough there was a spike in the summer, here as well as other places. The Florida spikes, however, were mostly among younger people, the ones who were likely packing bars and beaches, so the death numbers did not explode. In September the Governor said businesses could open 100%, and even prohibited local ordinences that would prevent businesses from operating. He required that there be a public health justification, etc., to limit restaurants from operating at full capacity. There is no mask mandate in Florida. The Governor left much of the decision-making to the local leaders. Some hot spots here still have restrictions.

So, what has the impact been from Florida’s handling of the virus? To be totally fair, it depends on who you ask and how the numbers are evaluated. DeSantis has claimed that lockdown states have twice as many deaths, per captita, as Florida. I’ve read different articles and assessments, and what I’ve come away with is that in some cases it’s true (New York), but other states not so much. Is it because of the lockdown? Hard to argue cause and effect definitively, but I would say that Florida has some advantages, in terms of transmitting this virus.

First of all, we are outside a whole lot more. In addition to the health benefits of a more outdoorsy lifestyle, it also means less recycled air being breathed, fresh air and sunshine doing their job.

Secondly, although not mandated, Florida people are wearing masks indoors and even in outdoor crowded forums without being ordered to. I went to St. Augustine yesterday to see the holiday lights (gorgeous!) and many people were wearing masks outside, and it was required indoors. Makes sense, it’s a crowded venue. But at the beach or out walking around, most people here don’t wear masks. Here in my county, Brevard, we’ve not had a very high number of cases, relatively speaking, and we don’t live in close quarters, for the most part. If you go to a restaurant, life is pretty much normal. People who feel vulnerable don’t go. There are still options for carryout. Some restaurants have chosen to just do carryout still (my favorite Thai restaurant, for instance. Sigh.) Another benefit here in Florida: Outdoor dining is a year-around thing.

Schools are open here, but the Governor required an online option. Again, it’s up to people to decide their own risk and comfort level. Long term care facilities are beginning to allow visitation, but very carefully. Outside visits are an option, since it’s Florida. The long term care people I’ve spoken to here have emphasized the very damaging effect of isolation, saying that some people have just ‘given up’. This is a big concern, so efforts are being made whenever possible to prevent that isolation. Florida has a very high number of elderly, and the Governor’s emphasis for vaccinations is that population first.

Speaking of vaccinations, there have been over 50,000 vaccines administered so far. The elderly and caregivers will be first, likely to be followed by other caregivers, emergency responders, and others in higher risk or exposure categories. DeSantis declined to receive a vaccination at this point, stating he doesn’t meet the criteria and isn’t willing to ‘jump in line’.

With all that being said, what’s it like here these days? It’s pretty much normal life in my area, but with a mask in certain stores, some restaurants carry-out only. Beaches are open (yeah!) People are aware not to crowd together, for the most part, although I have seen it at bars. We aren’t told we can’t have Christmas gatherings or go to church. People are self-selecting what their level of comfort is. Healthcare facilities are still very cautious, doing temperature checks upon entry and questionaires prior to appointments. Drive-in rapid testing is available if you have symptoms in order to speed up your care. My doctors office said they haven’t seen a case. Last I checked, our hospitals have empty beds. As a realtor, we do more to make sure both sellers and buyers are protected as much as possible. People are generally aware and respectful (ok, not everybody is respectful, of course, lol. But most are). For instance if you go to someone’s house for business or who you don’t know well, you ask them if they want you to wear a mask. For me personally, I am grateful that I moved to Florida before this hit. I don’t like being told what to do, I prefer to believe I can make my own decisions, right or wrong, and I try to be cautious but live my life. The underlying message here from the Governor is that people should be able to make their own decisions. From what I’ve seen, people are being careful in those riskier situations but otherwise moving along with their lives. Our unemployement numbers, last I saw, was 7.9, a full 2 points lower than New York. There are jobs here.

For those who have been affected by the virus, I’m so sorry. And to the health care workers and other front-line folks, you have my utmost respect and gratitude. As a person who works from home, I’ve been fortunate to be less impacted. But I wake up every day grateful to be in the Sunshine State.