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DeSantis: 'Light at the end of the tunnel for Florida'

Across the state, he says that health supplies are in good shape with over 6,000 ventilators sitting at the ready and only 400 currently in use.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference regarding COVID-19 at Tampa General Hospital.

During the press conference, DeSantis praised Hillsborough County for being one of the "best performing counties not just in Florida but in the United States" when it comes to flattening the curve.

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He said in a county of over a million people, the total number of people hospitalized is currently 35 with the peak only ever reaching 70 on April 8.

Across the state, he says that health supplies are in good shape with over 6,000 ventilators sitting at the ready and only 400 currently in use.  

DeSantis says six weeks ago one prediction said there would be hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and it's important for Floridians to know that's not the case anymore.

"We are all very focused on testing...," DeSantis said. "Most people that are testing in the state of Florida are overwhelmingly testing negative".

He says in the last four days, the state has had positive testing rates of 6-percent or less. It's all been a downward trend.

It's important for people to know if they can get tested even if they are not exhibiting traditional symptoms. DeSantis says that drive-thru testing sites remain open as well as walk-up sites in many underserved communities.

He says these walk-up sites and specialized sites in lower-income communities have helped to lower large racial disparities that have become evident with the virus. In addition, emergency response teams with Florida National Guard going in to expand testing within nursing homes.

DeSantis says over 7-million masks and other supplies have been sent to nursing home facilities across the state so far with more on the way.

As far as reopening Florida, he says folks should see a "light at the end of the tunnel for Florida...slow and steady wins the race."

Last week, Curry held a news conference to provide information about a new stimulus package that will provide financial assistance to Jacksonville residents.

Curry says the 'Jacksonville COVID-19 Relief Program' will provide $1,000 in assistance directly to 40,000 Jacksonville residents who need it the most. In order to qualify, 25-percent of household income must have been lost due to COVID-19 in households that make $75,000 or less a year.

The program also includes $26 million that's going towards small business relief and $25 million that will be set aside to help with expected declines in city revenues.

The city said more information will be released this week that will outline how people can apply for the $1,000, and provide a detailed breakdown of fund allocations.

Meanwhile, the Reopen Florida Task Force is asking Floridians to weigh in with their thoughts about how and when Florida should safely reopen its economy.

The governor’s office says “feedback will be a critical component of the Task Force’s final report to Governor DeSantis.

Florida residents can submit their opinion about impacts on small businesses, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, retail, recreation and sports and construction.

You can make a submission here.

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