TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, along with State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, recently met with members of the state’s Public Health Integrity Committee (PHIC) to discuss the First Interim Report released by the Florida Statewide 22nd Grand Jury. This report sheds light on the harmful impacts of mask mandates and lockdowns, which were promoted by the federal government. Governor DeSantis proudly stated that Florida had rejected the prevailing orthodoxy on COVID-19 interventions and had instead followed pre-pandemic response guidance.
The grand jury’s investigation faced challenges as several federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), refused to participate. Despite this, the report made clear determinations. It found that lockdowns and mask mandates had caused more harm than good, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, suicidal behavior, and attention deficits. The report also highlighted that jurisdictions implementing lockdowns had higher overall excess mortality rates compared to those that didn’t. Moreover, the grand jury concluded that there was uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of face masks against the virus, with no sound evidence indicating statistically significant benefits.
According to State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, Florida prioritized leading by common sense and sound science from the beginning of the pandemic. The grand jury’s findings underscore the importance of going against federal mandates for the health and freedom of all Floridians. Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a PhD in public health, labeled lockdowns as a “huge mistake,” while Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, an MD and PhD, criticized the CDC and other bodies for disregarding basic science and suppressing dissenting voices. Dr. Bret Weinstein, another PhD, commended Florida’s international leadership in the face of COVID-19 exhaustion worldwide.
The grand jury report has sparked calls for accountability from federal agencies. Dr. Joseph Fraiman, an MD, hopes that the findings can guide the organization and handling of similar events in the future. However, Dr. Steven Templeton, a PhD, believes that the federal government currently lacks the will to address these issues. The spotlight, he asserts, needs to be on federal agencies and their actions during the pandemic, but meaningful action seems unlikely for now.
Despite the federal government’s refusal to participate in the grand jury investigation, Governor DeSantis and Dr. Ladapo remain committed to Florida’s approach. They view the report as validation of their decision to prioritize freedom and resist mandates. Florida continues to be a leading example of an alternative approach to managing the challenges presented by COVID-19.