Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a series of upcoming changes on Saturday. Those include stocking hopsitals with a drug tauted to be a potential treatment for COVID-19, more funds for local governments, and another quarantine checkpoint.
Hydroxychloroquine Getting Stocked In Florida Hospitals
On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that his administration would work to stock hospitals with Hydroxychloroquine. It's a drug that can prevent and treat certain types of Malaria. Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can use Hydroxychloroquine for treatment. Now, the DeSantis administration is working with Teva Pharmaceuticals in Israel to ship the drug to hospitals in Dade, Broward, Orlando, and Hillsborough Counties. This decision comes after President Trump has drawn attention to Hydroxychloroquine as a drug that could show promise in treating COVID-19.
"We actually had a Floridian who used it, was in very bad shape with COVID-19, used it, and it seemed to clear up the lungs and the virus," DeSantis says.
He emphasized that he's not telling anyone to take it, but believes patients have a right to try it. NPR reported that clinical studies for Covid-19 treatments have only just begun.
Travel Checkpoints To Prevent COVID-19 Spread In Florida
DeSantis is hoping to prevent out of state travelers from bringing COVID-19 into Florida by opening up another check point. One is already open on I-10. Now, the DeSantis administration is working to put another one on I-95. Travelers who are stopped will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. This is on top of a 14-day self-quarantine for flights coming from states that are 'hotbeds' for the virus.
Local Governments To Recieve More Money
DeSantis is directing the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to open up $100 million for local infrastructure projects. The money comes from Hurricane Irma block grants.
"We really believe that given the economic circumstances putting this into some infrastructure would be good for the economy. It'd be able to put some people back to work. So stay tuned on that," DeSantis says.
The governor is expecting the funds this coming week.
