Crisis, what crisis? Florida Republicans deny Omicron is straining hospitals

State becomes focal point of politicized debate over whether Omicron is dangerous enough to overwhelm hospital systems

While Florida has experienced a record number of Covid-19 cases and sharp increase in hospitalizations in recent weeks, there is disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over whether the Omicron surge has actually overwhelmed the state's healthcare system.

For example, Florida Republican senator Marco Rubio posted on Twitter that there is no Omicron hospital surge' in Florida. People admitted for non-Covid reasons get tested. If they test positive they get counted as a Covid patient.'"