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Gov. DeSantis Opposes 'Vaccine Passports' in Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis
David Santiago
/
Miami Herald

In Florida, COVID-19 vaccines become available to everyone 16 and older on Monday, April 5. As more people get vaccinated, the discussion around carrying a "vaccine passport" is starting to take root.

Earlier this week, Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed his disgust with so-called "vaccine passports." He made it clear that, in his view, Floridans should have the right to choose whether or not they want to receive a COVID-19 shot.

"We are not supporting doing any vaccine passports in the state of Florida," DeSantis said.

He is also worried about people's medical privacy in the hands of corporations.

"It is completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement you show proof of vaccine to simply be able to participate in normal society," he said.

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To drive this point home, the governor plans to take emergency action to halt any mandates for the vaccine and vaccine passports.

More than 150 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine has been administered in the United States. Several business are hesitant to open unless there is a sure way to know if patrons and employees are vaccinated.

The Biden Administration says it will not issue a federal mandate requiring proof of inoculation. Instead, the White House will let private companies handle the logistics for requiring proof of vaccination.

These "passports" could come as a scannable code that you have on your phone or as a physical document for people that may not have access to technology.

Julian Quintana is a spring 2020 graduate of Florida International University, where he earned a degree in journalism. Following graduation he continued telling stories through FIU’s media hub, The South Florida Media Network.
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