-
A state investigation into allegations that the Florida Department of Health fudged COVID-19 case numbers to support Gov. Ron DeSantis’ effort to reopen the state after a shutdown in April 2020, has found no evidence of wrongdoing.
-
Health officials says the risk of transmission remains low. A CDC epidemiologist says the illness appears to be circulating globally in parts of the gay community.
-
For a long time, big decisions that affected the health of Floridians came from county-run health departments. Aiming for more equity, Democrats funneled that power to the state, and somewhere along the way, Republicans embraced big government.
-
The Florida Department of Health released guidance that said treatment such as puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapy should not be used for transgender youths, clashing with federal officials over the issue.
-
During the week of March 18-24, the state had 8,774 reported cases. The total the previous week was 8,049. The state now issues reports every two weeks.
-
Children with underlying health conditions should consider taking the vaccine and parents "are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits" with their doctor.
-
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced the updated Florida guidelines, which discourage mask wearing and promote off-label medications.
-
Only a few states have a surgeon general. Florida has had one since 2007, but critics say the job serving as the top advocate for wellness and disease prevention has changed because of state politics.
-
A Republican-controlled Senate committee voted 5-4 along party lines to back the confirmation as Democrats questioned Ladapo for nearly two hours over his views of COVID-19. It now moves to a full Senate vote.
-
The Florida Department of Health has gone to an appeals court in a battle about whether it should provide daily COVID-19 data, as it seeks to be shielded from explaining officials’ decision-making about releasing the information.
-
During the hearing, Democrats on the committee became frustrated as they rephrased and re-asked questions, but said they felt they weren’t getting a direct response. Despite the protest, Republicans in the Senate Health Policy Committee voted to give Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo their support.
-
The Florida Department of Health has released new COVID-19 testing guidelines aimed at reducing the demand for testing in the state.