Governor stops by Okaloosa and Bay counties to promote monoclonal antibody treatment

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Governor Ron DeSantis made several stops across Northwest Florida Friday to promote the monoclonal antibody treatment.

He said in clinical trials, this treatment resulted in a 70% reduction of hospitalizations and death and an 82% reduction in contracting COVID-19 in exposed households.

“The surgeon general did a standing order that says as long as you meet criteria for EUA, you’re able to come in here,” said Desantis.

Anyone 12 and older who has contracted COVID-19, or who has been exposed to someone with the virus, is eligible for this free treatment.

It also includes the people who are at high risk.

“Certainly any elderly, anyone with kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular or lung disease. Anybody who’s considered overweight, BMI of 25 or more, would be eligible for this,” said Desantis.

We’re told to receive the most effective results, you should get the treatment as quickly as you can after testing positive for the virus or being exposed.

“If you’re in those first few days of the window of having it, this is something that could really turn that outcome in such a better way for both you, your family, and your loved ones,” Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said.

We’re told it’s the only Monoclonal Antibody with an outcome that…

“Has a demonstrated record of success against the Delta variant,” said Desantis.

The treatment can be administered through an IV or shot.

“It’s easier to probably just do the shot. You can do two shots in the stomach and one in each arm,” said Desantis.

A quicker way for more people to be seen and treated.

“This kind of response, for it to be available in our town is huge,” Congressman Neal Dunn said.

As these state officials said, this is a huge step in the right direction for the fight against COVID.

Desantis said he plans to bring in more nurses to these treatment sites.

In Okaloosa County, this treatment is currently available at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, located at 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd in Fort Walton Beach.

In Bay County, this treatment is available at the Bay County Fairgrounds, located at 2230 15th Street in Panama City.

According to DeSantis, these sites both have the ability to serve more than 300 patients per day and will be open 7 days a week from 9AM to 5PM.

To find out more information on treatment locations, visit Florida Health Monoclonal Antibody Therapy.

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