The Florida Supreme Court authorized a statewide grand jury to scrutinize COVID-19 vaccine-related activities; its first report, spanning 33 pages, indicates that the investigation is far from complete.
Released late Friday, the report challenges widely accepted public health measures, asserting that “lockdowns were not a good trade” and casting doubt on the effectiveness of masks against SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
The grand jury, established in June of the previous year, expressed its unique position, stating that it provided an opportunity to “follow the science.”
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which supports mask use in some situations, disagrees with the report’s results about masks. Research supports the CDC’s advice, which states that masks are useful in stopping the transmission of COVID-19, especially indoors in public areas.
Dr. Kenneth Goodman, founder of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, raised concerns about the report’s methodology and questioned the selection and vetting process of professionals consulted by the grand jury.
Meanwhile, an update on the CDC’s website, released on Thursday, recommends updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older. The agency emphasizes the efficacy of the vaccines and encourages widespread adoption.
Florida, with over 82,000 COVID-19 deaths since January 1, 2020, has seen approximately 900 deaths in the past three months. Despite the significant vaccination efforts, only 12% of the state’s population has received an updated booster dose.
DeSantis-Ladapo Vaccine Skepticism
Governor Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo have consistently expressed skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines. Ladapo, in particular, advised against the new booster in September, citing concerns about “delivering contaminant DNA into human cells.” The FDA later refuted Ladapo’s safety and efficacy concerns.
A survey conducted by the University of South Florida/Florida Atlantic University in August revealed that misinformation about vaccines is prevalent, with Republicans being more susceptible to false beliefs.
The grand jury, deemed apolitical and ethnically diverse, faced criticism from experts who questioned the transparency of its proceedings and the selection of witnesses. Dr. Leslie Beitsch, a faculty professor at Florida State University’s College of Medicine, described the report as “far from an unbiased effort” and raised concerns about the lack of neutrality.
The report, signed by Chief Judge Christopher C. Sabella, stated that the grand jury remains in session, scheduling future witnesses. The jury could make recommendations in subsequent reports, but it emphasizes that implementing these solutions lies in the hands of legislators or the public.
Although pledges of impartiality, the report outlines the difficulties the grand jury encountered, such as opposition from possible witnesses and a lack of collaboration from federal agencies. The grand jury’s mission includes looking into any illegal conduct or malfeasance discovered during the inquiry, as well as pharmaceutical companies and other organizations connected to COVID-19 vaccinations.
The release of this report adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding COVID-19 measures, prompting renewed debate and calls for transparency in the grand jury’s proceedings.