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New DOH video on COVID prevention leaves out mask wearing, testing


Florida's Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo (DOH).
Florida's Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo (DOH).
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A new video by the Florida Department of Health, featuring new Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early treatment to protect against COVID-19 infections. Notably absent from the recommendations? Wearing a mask.

The 30 second PSA posted on Twitter last night features two residents who successfully received monoclonal antibodies for their COVID-19 infections.

Dr. Ladapo advises people to talk to their doctor about treatments, and lists three: monoclonal antibodies, Fluvoxomine, an antidepressant pill, and inhaled Budesonide, a medication commonly used for asthma patients.

An accompanying website, healthieryoufl.org, has information about early studies about Fluvoxomine and Budesonide.

But Dr. Howard Forman, Professor at Yale School of Medicine and expert in public health policy, says these treatments are outside of the mainstream.

"I'm not sure why they'd put those two things in a public service announcement when neither one has been proven to be an effective treatment or preventative of COVID," Dr. Forman said.

The video makes brief mention of vaccines, listing it among healthy ways to support ones immune system, along with vitamins, exercise and nutrition.

Masking and testing for COVID are left out of the PSA.

Dr. Ladapo quote tweeted the video, adding "Let's live, Florida!"

While the majority of comments on social media were positive, some public health experts expressed concern that some mitigation measures, like masking and testing, were left out.

"Masking is a proven, effective option and to not mention that strikes me as political because masks have become politicized," said Dr. Forman.

Dr. Ladapo has previously come under fire for refusing to wear a mask in the presence of State Senator Tina Polsky, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Dr. Leslie Diaz, an infectious disease doctor at Palm Beach County hospitals who treats COVID patients, said her biggest concern is that the video does not emphasize the importance of vaccinations.

"They failed to focus on the most important thing we have -- the most important tool," she said.

CBS12 News reached out to the Department of Health to ask why the video failed to mention mask wearing, and testing, and why it promotes certain treatment measures and not others.

DOH Spokesperson Weesam Khoury said, "The department wants Floridians to live their best and healthiest life, and this initiative is designed to do just that."

He pointed out that the main DOH website, www.floridahealthcovid19.gov website includes vast testing, vaccine, and treatment resources.

The DOH has so far not responded to our questions about the absence of masking for COVID in this campaign.

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