Scientist Fired for Refusing to Manipulate Florida Coronavirus Data
A Florida scientist responsible for creating the state’s Coronavirus data portal was fired earlier this month after refusing to “manipulate” pandemic numbers.
According to USA Today, Rebekah Jones worked for two months on the Florida COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard, which allows researchers and Floridians to see coronavirus data in real-time. She was not paid for most of her work.
Researchers say this development could be evidence of the state attempting to reopen before it is safe to do so.
“Floridians will not feel safe in opening up without transparency,” said U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor.
“This case demonstrates the need for Congress to act. Public health and safety whistleblowers need a strong federal law to ensure that those who risk their jobs to protect the public are fully protected,” said whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn, partner at Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto.
Kohn recently wrote an article explaining the need for urgent congressional action to enact effective whistleblower laws for public health and safety workers that witness fraud and hazardous conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.
If you witness COVID-19 fraud, contact an experienced whistleblower attorney.
Read more:
Fix the gaping hole in whistleblower protections: Public health and patient safety – The Hill
Can OSHA Protect Coronavirus Whistleblowers? – National Law Review
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May 9, 2025
