Biden rebukes GOP governors for barring mask mandates

Source: The Hill | August 3, 2021 | Morgan Chalfant

President Biden on Tuesday rebuked Republican governors who have imposed bans on mask mandates and pleaded with them to “get out of the way” of businesses and schools that want to impose coronavirus-related requirements.

“We need leadership from everyone and if some governors aren’t willing to do the right thing to beat this pandemic, then they should allow businesses and universities who want to do the right thing to be able to do it,” Biden said in a speech from the White House.

“I say to these governors, please help. If you aren’t going to help, at least get out of the way of people who are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives,” Biden continued.

Biden’s criticism was directed at states, all of them Republican-controlled, that have banned mask mandates in school districts, universities or businesses. He particularly singled out Florida and Texas, noting that they currently account for one-third of new COVID-19 cases. Other states like Vermont, South Carolina, Iowa and Arizona have also prevented schools from mandating masks.

Biden said the directives “forbid people from doing the right thing.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, have issued executive orders barring mask mandates even as federal health officials updated guidance to encourage vaccinated Americans in areas of high transmission to wear face coverings indoors.

Biden described a mandate in Texas as “most extreme” because it subjects schools to fines if they require mask use.

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