DeSantis Administration Lets 800,000 to 1 Million COVID Tests Expire As Pandemic Surges

Amidst a deadly surge of omicron cases, Gov. Ron DeSantis has once again been caught dragging his feet and risking the lives of Floridians. After initially denying letting tests expire, the DeSantis administration admitted in a press conference today that between 800,000 to 1 million COVID tests expired under their watch last month.

DeSantis admitted, “I know that tests are scarce,” and despite receiving a three-month extension on the test kits, the state still failed to distribute them to Floridians in need.

DeSantis has even discouraged young people from getting tested for COVID. “He did not mention concerns younger people might have about carrying the virus and spreading it to people such as their parents or grandparents,” reported the Palm Beach Post.

Since allowing the pandemic to surge to a “crisis of unprecedented proportions” last summer, DeSantis continues to push anti-science policies that prolong the pandemic and punish Floridians, including forcing local counties and businesses to pay fines if they want their own vaccine requirements.

The expiration of up to 1 million testing kits is just the latest failure as DeSantis is continually slammed for his lack of transparency on COVID.

“Thousands of anxious Floridians have been waiting hours in line while the DeSantis administration stockpiles and wastes tests,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Sam Newton. “Ron DeSantis’ lack of leadership on COVID is a disgrace, and Florida deserves better.”

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