WATCH: DeSantis encourages Floridians to get vaccinated, slams mask mandates

Florida governor Ron DeSantis is encouraging unvaccinated Floridians to get the shot as Florida is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. He also denounced those who are calling for new mask mandates to be implemented in the state.

"If you are vaccinated, fully vaccinated, the chance of you getting seriously ill or dying from COVID is effectively zero," said DeSantis at a news conference. "If you look at the people that are being admitted to hospitals, over 95 percent of them are either not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated."

DeSantis added that "vaccines are saving lives. They are reducing mortality. Mortality in nursing homes, since we rolled out the vaccines in December,  is down over 95 percent... I can tell you in Florida, your chance of surviving, if you're vaccinated, is close to 100 percent."

The all-star Florida governor is fully vaccinated, having received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine back in April. All COVID-19 vaccines being administered in the United States are safe and effective, having been approved by the FDA.

DeSantis also took the time to share his frustration with municipal officials who are wanting to bring back mask mandates, saying reinstating mask mandates would discourage people from getting vaccinated.

"I get a little bit frustrated when I see some of these jurisdictions saying even if you're healthy and vaccinated, you must wear a mask because we're seeing increased cases," said DeSantis.

"Understand what that message is sending to people who aren't vaccinated. It's telling them that the vaccines don't work. I think that's the worst message you can send to people at this time."

Florida has made itself known for taking a balanced approach to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, which focuses on protecting the vulnerable rather than mandating masks, distancing, and other restrictions.

While DeSantis hopes more Floridians will get vaccinated, he says that he respects people's personal choices. Hence, he signed landmark legislation banning vaccine passports in the state of Florida earlier this year.