The disclosure of the Florida COVID-19 data will continue again years after stopping the spread of COVID information online following a settlement.
Disclosure of Florida COVID-19 Data Will Continue Years After Stopping COVID Information Online Posting
The disclosure of the Florida COVID-19 data will continue again two years after the state stopped posting and spreading any COVID information online, wherein several states, including Florida, decided to stop posting Florida COVID-19 data online despite the importance and the need for public awareness.
According to a report published in US News, the former state representative Carlos Guillermo Smith revealed that he requested Florida COVID-19 data; however, his request to obtain the Florida COVID-19 data was denied, leading to his decision to file the lawsuit against the government as he claimed that all residents have the right to public records.
Aside from disclosing the Florida COVID-19 data and weekly statistics, the state must pay for the $152,000 settlement payment and provide the Florida COVID-19 data for the next three years and even for future diseases in the state.
Department of Health Denies Criticism Over the Nondisclosure of Florida COVID-19 Data to the Public
Following the settlement, the Department of Health denied criticism over the nondisclosure of Florida COVID-19 data to the public and claimed that the lawsuit was only a political stunt of the former representative.
Despite political stunt allegations, the lawsuit and its settlement helped to ensure the public that they will receive the Florida COVID-19 data again, including the latest updates about the virus and vaccination status, the Miami Herald reported.