Jacksonville FL — Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans the state will take to ramp up the coronavirus vaccine distribution efforts. DeSantis says the state is looking to increase access to the vaccine by identifying and then converting state run coronavirus testing sites into vaccination sites. More information on those locations will be released over the coming days we’re told.
“We do believe having a broad array of ways for the public to access the vaccine is important and we think it’ll make a big difference.” DeSantis says.
Similarly, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said Monday that the city is working to convert two coronavirus testing sites into vaccine distribution sites as early as the end of this week. Just like the governor’s announcement, its unclear exactly which sites in Jacksonville will be converted at this time.
In addition, the governor has directed the state to identify places of worship in underserved communities that can give the vaccine to its residents and allow them to administer the vaccine.
The state is also looking to hire 1,000 nurses to support vaccination efforts. The governor says the nurses will be deployed throughout the entire state to help run vaccination sites including public and private sites. The governor is also directing the Florida Division of Emergency Management will get additional responsibilities in administering vaccines to long-term care facilities.