Fernandina Beach Commissioner urges vaccinations to stem rise in Covid cases

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
July 21, 2021

 

In light of the resurgence of the Covid-19 cases locally, Mayor Mike Lednovich reminded the audience at the beginning of the July 20, 2021 Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) Regular Meeting that the meeting was being held under CDC guidelines.  “Our daily [Covid] cases are at a rate that we have not seen since last June.  We are averaging 65 cases per day.”  He invited Commissioner Chip Ross, a doctor who works in the Baptist Nassau Emergency Room, to add his comments.

Ross delivered the following remarks:

Commissioner Chip Ross

“Based upon my training and my 40 years of experience as an Emergency Room doctor, a review of Nassau County Covid numbers, and most importantly, 4 shifts in the last 10 days in the local Emergency Room, this is what I believe:  the Covid vaccines are safe and effective.  More than 99 percent of the patients being hospitalized with Covid — and our hospital is over flowing — are not fully vaccinated.  The Covid vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe disease.  I’m vaccinated, my wife is vaccinated; my sister is vaccinated, as well as her daughter and son-in-law, who are both emergency room doctors.  I am wearing an N-95 mask at this meeting.  If asked, I would advise anyone attending this meeting to do likewise.  I would urge anyone who is not vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible, both for their own sakes and to protect their families and the public at large.”

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Mark Tomes
Trusted Member
Mark Tomes(@mtomes)
2 years ago

In talking with people who have not been vaccinated, I have found a few who have valid reasons for not doing so. But the great majority are basing their decision on misinformation and a misguided loyalty to a false narrative of conservatism and patriotism. For most people, not getting vaccinated is a selfish and unnecessary thing to do.

Mark jordan
Mark jordan (@guest_61752)
2 years ago

Thank you for your service and honesty

Eric Sever
Eric Sever (@guest_61754)
2 years ago

The end is in sight if you get vaccinated. However right now the way things are going we will be in masks, cancelling events, and zooming for the forseeable future. Anti- vaxxers, help me get it? Havent we all been through enough?

Tammy Brandl
Tammy Brandl (@guest_61757)
2 years ago

Unfortunately, masks & vaccines have become politicalized. This is a health & medical crisis, which has nothing to do with politics, yet here we are. It’s sad that there’s so much misinformation & complete lies that people choose to believe rather than facts. What people fail to realize is that the longer we delay vaccination, the more variants develop, those variants becoming more aggressive/deadly & ultimately rendering the vaccines ineffective. If you’re on the fence about the vaccines, please do research & review data from reputable resources. Not relying on conspiracy theorists & fear mongers. Remember the life you save could be your own, not to mention your beloved grandparent or family member.