When the pandemic ravaged the United States, public health measures such as mask mandates and business closures had become increasingly controversial. Now Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that all statewide restrictions, which the federal government is trying to bring back, would be lifted in his state, forbidding local governments from closing businesses or imposing fines on pandemic-related regulations such as mask mandates.
Florida surgeon general slams renewed mask mandates, urges people to refuse to participate | Just The News https://t.co/1joCqBmt79
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) August 27, 2023
The decision has been met with both praise and criticism. Supporters, including Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, argue that these policies are ineffective and cause harm to citizens. Dr. Ladapo expressed this sentiment in a post last week on X urging people to “refuse to participate” in lockdowns or mask mandates. Peer-reviewed research has suggested that face coverings may not reduce the transmission of the virus, raising questions about their effectiveness in containing its spread.
On the other hand, those opposed to lifting restrictions point out that while cases in Florida have been declining since mid-July, daily deaths resulting from the pandemic have declined more slowly and appear to have peaked only recently.
Your mask is still useless.
Your favorite politicians lied to you because your favorite Deep State celebrity docs lied to them.
All so you would feel better about yourself while signaling the new public virtue: blindly trusting "the system."
Don't do it again. pic.twitter.com/igB04f6rgj
— Michael Quinn Sullivan ???????? (@MQSullivan) September 3, 2023
With hospitals across the country reporting rising levels of hospitalization due to infections, experts worry that lifting restrictions could lead to an increase in cases if people do not adhere strictly to safety protocols such as social distancing and wearing masks when necessary.
Governor DeSantis insists that his administration will pursue no lockdowns going forward and is instead encouraging local authorities to impose reasonable regulations on businesses such as restaurants and bars rather than blanket closures or capacity limits below 50%. He also noted during an August press conference that private businesses will still be allowed to set their own rules for customers regarding masks and other safety protocols should they choose to do so.
Typical Biden: Unjustified fear Porn
Florida surgeon general slams renewed mask mandates, urges people to refuse to participatehttps://t.co/9kqEY4m0A8
— Brigitta3 (@brigitta3) August 28, 2023
Ultimately it appears that Governor DeSantis is making a gamble by removing all statewide restrictions at this time—especially given how many states are continuing with similar public health measures amid rising hospitalizations—but only time will tell whether it pays off for Floridians or not.
In any case, it will be important for everyone in Florida—and elsewhere—to continue following health guidelines such as social distancing, wearing masks when appropriate, avoiding large gatherings when possible, washing hands often, etc., if we hope to make progress against this deadly virus over the coming months
