Live Coronavirus Updates: Millions Fail Loss of Benefits as Deadline for Coronavirus Aid

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – As Florida has become the global epicenter of the coronavirus, Gov. Ron DeSantis met with his top public health official, Scott Rivkes, this month, according to the governor̵

7;s schedule. His health department has set aside scientists, halted past meetings with disease specialists and told experts that there were not enough staff from the state to continue to participate.

DeSantis (R) traveled to Miami this month to hold a roundtable with mayors of South Florida, whose region is battling as a new hot spot for coronavirus. But Republican Hialeah Mayor was expelled weeks after he said the governor “didn’t do much” for a city affected by the virus.

As the virus spreads out of control in Florida, decision-making is becoming more policy-driven and detached from scientific evidence.,, according to interviews with 64 current and former government and administrative officials, health administrators, epidemiologists, political operatives, and hospital managers.