Sep 8, 2021
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried released the following statement on reports that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has spread disinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine multiple times in recent days:
“It’s extraordinarily dangerous and irresponsible for Governor DeSantis to continue to lie about the vaccine — which he’s done twice in as many days. By saying vaccines don’t help anyone but the recipient (not true) and that breakthrough cases among vaccinated aren’t rare (also not true), he’s continuing to impede the health and economic recovery of our state. No news outlet should broadcast the governor’s misinformation without immediate editorial correction with the facts.”
Commissioner Fried, an independently elected member of the Florida Cabinet, has been providing regular COVID-19 updates, holding briefings across the state to provide timely public health information as well as encouraging science-based virus-mitigation efforts, including vaccination, mask-wearing, social distancing, and testing after known exposure or symptoms.
