Florida offers to host the 2021 Summer Olympics amid speculation that Tokyo could leave the Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a letter Monday to the International Olympic Committee, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis outlined the state’s case for hosting the Games.
“Today I am writing to encourage you to consider moving the 2021 Olympics from Tokyo, Japan, the United States of America, and more specifically, Florida,” Patronis wrote.
Patronis promoted the growing population of Florida and the deployment of the coronavirus vaccine in making the offer.
“Unlike other states, when the COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Florida, it doesn’t just stay on the shelf wrapped in government bureaucracy; it moves quickly to protect our communities,” Patronis wrote.
He also pushed the Republican government. Ron DeSantis
A Ron DeSantisFlorida scientist who accused the state of manipulating coronavirus data as positive for COVID-19, becomes Overnight Health Care: testing capacity is reduced as localities struggle with vaccine delivery Health workers rejecting vaccine are a growing problem The incoming CDC director expects 500,000 deaths from COVID by mid-February, COVID-19 testing capacity will be reduced as localities fight vaccine staff MOREefforts to keep Florida’s economy open while fighting COVID-19. The state has not enacted as many restrictions and blockades as other states have seen.
Florida is currently the fourth highest mortality rate coronavirus in the United States, while California, which has had many coronavirus restrictions, has the latter.
Patron boasted Florida’s ability to successfully host NBA and NFL games and UFC events during the pandemic. He described the opening of Disney World, an international tourist attraction, as “an incredible model of how to run a complex organization in the midst of COVID-19.”
He added that Florida has the transportation infrastructure, hotels and health facilities needed to have such an important event.
There was a state of emergency he called in Japan on January 13 after the country passed 300,000 coronavirus cases. Tokyo, where the Olympics are scheduled to begin in July, has been a hot spot for cases since the pandemic began.
The World Health Organization dit Monday that Olympic athletes should not have priority for the coronavirus vaccine and that it should be saved for seniors and front-line workers.
“Whatever precautions are needed, let’s find out and do it,” Patronis said.