Leon County Commissioner is calling for a special session to investigate the effects of COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) – In a letter to Commission Chairman Rick Minor, Commissioner Dozier cites the high number of COVID-19 cases across the county and state as a reason for demanding that a special session be held before the commission’s already scheduled meeting on 09/14

During this meeting, Commissioner Dozier would like to be informed about the vaccinations of the employees in the district. The total number of people vaccinated in the county. Along with an update on COVID-19 cases in Tallahassee hospitals.

“We need to hear from our health and health professionals in town,” said Dozier. “The experts who have guided us over the past 18 months.”

As for restoring the county’s mask mandate, Dozier said they could consider doing so if information shows it could help reduce the spread. Before a mask mandate could be introduced, Dozier said the commission would first have to hold a public hearing.

As of August 27, there were 119 COVID-19 patients at the Capital Regional Medical Center, including 127 patients at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

To highlight how serious the situation is, TMH turns to social media … with frontline workers sharing their stories in “Covid Diaries”.

Megan Dunaway is a registered nurse who shared this message with a request for mercy on herself and other health care workers. Part of the post reads:

“I look after these patients for hours and days in our emergency room, in addition to emergencies that come in. I get to know them in their darkest hour, their families, then I finally get a bed for them in the hospital, I hug,” I had to go the next Stop checking on them one day because my heart can’t bear to hear again that none of them made it. This is my reality. That means this is YOUR reality. “

TMH also highlights people they call health heroes, like Lauren Faison-Clark, who is the hospital’s health administrator. Her job includes digitally connecting patients with their family members outside of the hospital. She writes:

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of sharing very intimate moments with families as they virtually connect with loved ones affected by this relentless virus. I listened to spouses, children, and loved ones praying, singing, and crying “for those who value them so much.”

Stories like this highlight the need to do more before things get worse.

“We all have personal examples of how COVID is affecting our lives now more than ever. I think it is time to go into a room together and hear from the experts to see how we can help contain the spread of Delta by fall. “Said Dozier.

ABC 27 reached out to Rick Minors’ office with the request. He wasn’t available on Sunday afternoon but will talk about the likelihood of approving this request before their regular September meeting on Monday morning.

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