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Gov. DeSantis extends state of emergency in Florida for 60 more days

Updated  July 7, 2020 10:23pm EDT
FOX 35 Orlando

Governor DeSantis extends state of emergency

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has extended a state of emergency for another 60 days as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. DeSantis made the announcement in Miami, where the city is tightening up some of its reopening processes.

ORLANDO, Fla. - On Tuesday, Governor DeSantis issued an executive order extending the ongoing state of emergency in Florida for another 60 days.

The state of emergency was originally issued in March and then extended again in May as a response to the coronavirus. It allows DeSantis to broaden his powers as Governor, including allowing him to deploy National Guard troops if necessary, utilize out-of-state medical personnel, and swiftly purchase any necessary supplies.

MORE NEWS: Democrats: DeSantis’ inaction against COVID-19 is killing Floridians, 'our governor’s behavior is reckless'

Florida is currently experiencing a surge in cases, with over 40,000 new cases being reported in the last five days alone. The latest numbers from the Florida Department of Health show that there have been 206,447 cases of COVID-19 statewide, resulting in 3,778 deaths. 

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