Press Releases

Miami, FL – Congresswoman Wilson and several members of the Florida congressional delegation have sent a letter to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urging him to issue a statewide shelter-in-place order to protect Floridians, particularly older residents and people with underlying health issues, and to provide some relief for the state's already-strained health-care system.

As of Monday evening, 5,704 people have reported positive for COVID-19, with 754 new cases reported that day. In addition, there have been 71 fatalities. Yet unlike many other states with more than 1,000 cases, Florida has no statewide shelter-in-place order.

"We understand the grave economic consequences this action will have. But hoping to dull the impacts on the economy in the short term by delaying a shelter-in-place order will only exacerbate those impacts in the medium and long term," the letter reads. "Instead, we must accept the necessity of shelter-in-place order now while Congress works quickly to pass an economic stimulus bill that will save jobs, replace lost incomes, and support all Americans. In the long run, the cost of preventive action will save trillions of dollars and save lives."

"There's a reason that the word novel has been attached to this virus and that is because there is so much that is unknown about it and its global impact has been both unprecedented and horrifying," adds Congresswoman Wilson. "COVID-19 is spreading around the state with speed. To not issue a statewide shelter-in-place order is unconscionable."

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Ted Deutch, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Donna E. Shalala (FL-27), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Darren Soto (FL-09), and Val Demings (FL-10).

For the full letter, click here.