Some seniors in Florida are so desperate to get coronavirus vaccines that they spent a night camped in line to receive the vaccines on a first come, first served basis, reports on Wednesday.
The sidewalk next to the Regional Library of the Lakes in Fort Myers looked more like a hot Broadway show – with dozens of seniors sitting in folding chairs with blankets to receive the life-saving punches on Tuesday, according to WINK News.
“It’s worth it,” said Aaron Stern, 80, who said he never camped out to buy tickets for Black Friday shows or offers. “The opportunity to feel safe again and to be able to leave is wonderful.”
Other seniors in the state – where Governor Ron DeSantis recently issued an order allowing people aged 65 and over to be vaccinated – said they were willing to face long lines after seeing friends die of the virus.
“I’m scared, that’s why, and I want to [feel] for free, ”said veteran Frank Mihalik to his reason for coming.
Other geriatric assistants – who brought snacks, refrigerators and sleeping bags – said they were desperate for the vaccination because they miss seeing their families and are tired of being stuck at home.
Senior Judy Morris said, “I haven’t seen my kids in about a year … [I’ll do] whatever it takes. “
Outside of Estero Park and Rec Center in Cape Coral, the number of elderly people waiting for vaccines exceeded capacity at noon on Tuesday – two hours before the clinic is scheduled to start giving vaccines, according to the USA Today.
DeSantis issued an executive order on Saturday that ignored the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for the priority of the COVID-19 vaccine, allowing seniors to get vaccines before essential workers.
The order led to long lines at some locations in Lee County, prompting the sheriff’s office to send out a traffic alert due to the crowd, the newspaper reported.