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Gov. DeSantis Reveals 15 People Tested For Coronavirus In Florida In Meeting With Vice President Mike Pence

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Vice President Mike Pence joined Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Friday afternoon in South Florida to address coronavirus concerns.

Vice President Pence, the Trump administration's point person for the US response to the coronavirus, painted an optimistic picture.

"To the people of Florida, according to our health experts, the threat of the coronavirus spreading in the United States remains low. People of this country can be assured that we are ready, ready for any eventuality," said Pence.

No cases have been reported in Florida, however, Governor DeSantis said 15 people have been tested in Florida. He said all were negative with four still being investigated.

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"Currently the state is monitoring about 150 people. These are people who have been in China. Up to this point, up to 600 monitored, 700, no one ended up being symptomatic or testing positive," said DeSantis.

Pence referred to President Trump several times, touting his early action.

"President Donald Trump has no higher priority than the health and safety of the American people. It is the reason why unprecedented action was taken in January to declare a public emergency and to suspend travel to the United States from China."

With new cases reported in Brazil and Mexico, Florida Senator Rick Scott is asking for more information from Homeland Security and the CDC.

DeSantis wants to know if they're considering any travel restrictions from Central and South America and if any new screening protocols will be introduced at Florida airports, like MIA, FLL, Orlando International, as well as seaports.

"As we meet again today with the coronavirus task force we're going to continue to discuss other possible changes in travel status for the United States," said Pence.

Also Friday, Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said he is coordinating with others to learn more about a coordinated response if needed.

"We met not only with the county mayor, but a number of local agencies such as Jackson Memorial Hospital, the Health Department, the US Coast Guard, Seaport, the airport to ascertain our level of readiness," said Carvalho.

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