Mayor Jerry Demings addressing vaccination opportunities for the homeless population in Orange County. (Screenshot from Orange TV’s Youtube)
ORLANDO |Mayor Jerry Demings was asked in the latest coronavirus update briefing about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ statement of fining any city or county $5,000 for requiring their employees to get vaccinated. Orange County has made the requirement that non-union employees must be vaccinated by the end of the month or they face the possibility of being fired.
“We will look at whatever directives the governor is putting out and we’ll consider our legal options,” Demings said during the press conference Sept. 13.
As of Sept. 12, 71% of eligible residents — ages 12 and older — have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Even with the increased number of vaccinations, Demings hopes that more residents consider getting vaccinated as the Delta Variant makes its way through Florida.
“We continue to urge everyone to do their part by getting a vaccine and practicing safe measures around other people — like wearing a mask in crowded or indoor spaces,” he said.
Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health, Dr. Raul Pino says there have been 56 additional deaths in Florida — one being a child under the age of one, the first infant death in the county.
Pino was asked about the monoclonal antibody treatment and who will have access to it.
“It’s intended for people after they get exposed and the idea is it gives a boost to your immune system to fight the disease,” Pino said.
Pino says the treatments have been proven effective and so far 4,387 have been treated since Sept. 12.
When asked about how the homeless population is getting their vaccines, Demings reminded the crowd about the mobile vaccination trailer, #IGotMyShot.
“We have deliberately moved it [the mobile vaccination trailer] in locations where we are able to serve the homeless population — from Laker Eola to all the areas,” Demings said. “We also work with the Homeless Services Network and the Coalition for the Homeless to provide outreach efforts.”
FREE drive-thru COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites:
Clarcona Elementary School – Testing only
3607 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703
Monday-Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Econ Soccer Complex – Testing only
8035 Yates Road, Orlando 32807
Monday–Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closing an hour earlier than the other testing sites due to the return of soccer games.
Barnett Park – Testing Only
4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Monday–Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Camping World Stadium
1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
Monday–Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
residents can also receive the monoclonal antibody treatment at this site.
Pre-registration is encouraged through the CDR Maguire Patient Portal at PatientPortalFL.com prior to arrival at the testing sites.
Watch the full Orange County press conference below.
