OPINION: DeSantis, a misinformation superspreader
Gov. Ron DeSantis visited USF on March 2 for a press conference to announce funding for cybersecurity education, but before it had even started, he was already off topic.
Prior to greeting his audience, or even taking the podium, he scolded a group of mask-wearing students in attendance, as shown in footage from WFLA.
“You do not have to wear those masks,” DeSantis said. “I mean, please take them off. Honestly, it’s not doing anything and we’ve gotta stop with this COVID theater. So if you want to wear it, fine, but this is ridiculous.”
Addressing students in such a manner as an elected official was inappropriate, especially when spreading misinformation about COVID-19. DeSantis needs to make more educated statements, even more so when talking with students.
Masks have been proven to be effective through many studies, directly disproving DeSantis’ claims.
N95, N99 and N100 masks can block at least 95%, 99% and 99.97% of particles, respectively, according to a 2021 report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The same report found that when worn properly, surgical masks are just as effective at blocking COVID-19.
To say the pandemic is theatrical and ridiculous is disrespectful to those who’ve been majorly impacted by the virus.
There have been 951,778 COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. as of Wednesday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s tracker. Globally, there have been about 5.95 million COVID-19 deaths as of Wednesday.
Misinformation of the virus also unnecessarily costs people their health. A prime example of this is Herman Cain, former Republican presidential candidate.
Cain publicly denounced the pandemic on social media, claiming it to be a hoax, as shown in his tweet from April 30, 2020.
“Don’t believe everything you hear on Fake News,” Cain said. “I never had the Wuhan Flu, because it doesn’t exist. #maskoff #mybodymychoice #plandemic.”
The following July, Cain tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized. On July 30, 2020, Cain died from COVID-19.
It’s definitely not “ridiculous” to want to protect yourself and others with scientifically proven protective gear, such as masks.
More Stories
OPINION: Why I’m always open to learn and why you should be too
“ هل أنت جاد ,” my co-worker says to my boss. The bagel shop just finished its rush hour, and my co-workers fill the empty building with their Arabic conversation. All I understand is their body language: mouths curving into smiles and bodies leaning back to release a laugh. My white girl, Florida-raised self, has […]
OPINION: USF students, light up the ballot this fall to legalize marijuana
Ah, the high life. The issue of recreational marijuana has been debated for years. All smokers know that when it comes to leisurely weed use, the grass is indeed greener. “Of course recreational marijuana should be decriminalized. It’s literally a f—— plant,” said a sophomore respondent to a survey from The Oracle. In November, students […]
OPINION: USF pre-med life is hard. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the game.
Being a pre-med student is hard. Waking up for the 8 a.m. lab, going straight to volunteering at the hospital, going back to class and going to the library to study is the everyday life of a pre-med college student. And that’s just doing the bare minimum to succeed. And oh yeah, don’t forget studying […]
OPINION: Estudiantes de USF, es hora de aprender un segundo idioma
Didn’t understand this headline? You might want to consider taking up a second language. I remember the first time I recognized the value of knowing a second language. I was waitressing at this dinky hibachi restaurant and my next table had just been sat. The customers looked frazzled. I could tell they were having difficulty […]
OPINION: Hop in, USF students. We’re going to the movies.
The rustle of popcorn buckets and excited whispers before the film starts is an experience you won’t be able to get anywhere else other than a movie theater. Being able to sit in the comfort of your living room to watch a movie on Netflix is convenient. However, it doesn’t compare to the feeling and […]
OPINION: Slay the USF classroom to slay the professional world
Let’s be honest, caring about appearances in college can be difficult – but did you know it can help prepare you for the professional world? College is where young adults get ready for the future and dressing up for class is a key part to success. Students should dress up because it can help establish […]