Ousted scientist says she was asked to manipulate Florida COVID-19 data

Enlarge / Florida began allowing businesses to reopen this week, but the ousted manager of the data behind that decision warns it may not be solid. (credit: CHANDAN KHANNA | AFP | Getty Images)

As Florida tries to move past the COVID-19 crisis and reopen businesses and venues, the former manager of the state's novel coronavirus data project alleges she was fired for refusing to cook the numbers and make the state look better.

Rebekah Jones said Friday she was removed from her position, local outlet Florida Today was the first to report.

Jones built and managed the COVID-19 data dashboard for the state from March until May 5. Last week, she explained that for "reasons beyond my division's control," her office lost all connection to the portal, and neither she nor her team was any longer involved with it, its data, its publication, or answering questions.

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