Governor DeSantis says for Florida to get back on its feet more testing is needed

The state will look at reopening Florida in different phases using some of the White House’s recommendations as a baseline.

But Governor Ron DeSantis adds, to get Florida back on its feet the state needs more testing.

Diane Hardin of Naples says, “I waved to the window at her… last… I’m trying to think.”

It’s been more than a month since Hardin hugged her mother while visiting her at Estero’s Life Care Center.

Three residents there have tested positive for COVID-19. One died, and the other two are still at the hospital.

“I was just very fearful,” Hardin said. “I was fearful for her safety and for her health … Now, what are we gonna do about that?”

Life Care Center says it’s following health department guidelines on when and who should be tested. But Hardin wants to see everyone there undergo coronavirus testing, including staff.

Governor DeSantis says Florida will see more testing in the next phase of fighting the coronavirus, “Having quick lab testing is something that’s very important. So we’re working on things in the state of Florida, to be able to meet that need.”

The priority is for more diagnostic testing with quick results, to prevent further spread.

“If you have a business and someone has a symptom, you’re going to want to get them tested and get a result in a decent time interval, “DeSantis explained.

A plan to get quick answers, flatten the curve, and protect everyone.

Hardin said she wants to be proactive, “I don’t want people to start showing symptoms and then having to deal with it then.”

The Governor says the coronavirus impacts each Florida county differently.

So the next phase of reopening the state may look a little different here in Southwest Florida, compared to the southeast area, which has many more cases.