VCC Public Comment Hears Both Sides Of COVID Vaccine Issue

DeLand, FL – During today’s (July 20) regular meeting, the Volusia County Council heard both sides of the COVID vaccine issue with some saying there needs to be more effort put into getting people vaccinated. The other side is people who have decided not to get the vaccine and are asking the VCC to not give approval to the door-to-door campaign suggested by the Biden administration to get people to get vaccinated. District 1 Representative Barb Girtman asked to address the chamber at the beginning of public comment. She has been working since vaccinations became available to get more people of color vaccinated. VCC District 1 Member Wants People To Know COVID-19 Vaccine Is Safe Girtman addressed the recent increase in new COVID-19 cases saying more than 200 people each day are testing positive for COVID. She said we’re headed in the wrong direction. "Hospitalizations are increasing and many of the people are unvaccinated. I’m not challenging whether you do or you don’t. I’m certainly appealing to you that you do get vaccinated but I understand should you choose not to." Ormond-By-the-Sea resident Jennifer Kelly asked the Volusia County Council to become a Bill of Rights sanctuary in reaction to the vaccine door-to-door campaign. "We need our local leaders to stand strong for the Constitutional rights of every citizen. We need strong, bold leadership. I ask every member of the council to support making Volusia County a Bill of Rights sanctuary." It should be noted that an update on COVID-19 from the Florida Department of Health-Volusia was not on today’s agenda.