Pinellas County Covid-19, Speaking with the Doctors.. 6-23-20

Ashley Johnson (top left), PInellas County senior communications coordinator, interviewed Dr. Jon Thogmartin (top right), medical examiner, and Dr. Angus Jameson (bottom), medical director of EMS, during a Facebook Live discussion of COVID-19.

There are more positive COVID-19 cases simply because there are more tests. Young people won’t suffer serious consequences if they get COVID-19. “Herd immunity” is the best way to approach the virus.

Two top Pinellas County public health officials debunked those statements and others during a 45-minute Facebook Live discussion Tuesday morning. Both physicians — Dr. Angus Jameson, medical director, Pinellas County Emergency Management, and Dr. Jon Thogmartin, Pinellas County medical examiner — emphasized their concerns about the growing number of COVID cases, the strain local hospitals are starting to feel as a result and the serious consequences of the disease on public health and the economy.