“As the United States experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases over recent weeks, the issue of mask mandates has once again come to the forefront, prompting Republican governors to pledge that they will prevent their reinstatement.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been a 15.7 percent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations from August 20 to 26 compared to the previous week. While these hospitalizations remain significantly lower than the peaks seen in 2021, the CDC has issued a warning about a new coronavirus variant, BA.2.86, which it suggests “may have an increased ability to cause infections in individuals who have previously contracted COVID-19 or have been vaccinated against it.”
In response to this resurgence in COVID-19 cases, some educational institutions and healthcare facilities have announced the reintroduction of mask mandates for a specific period. However, Republican governors across various states have expressed their strong opposition to any return to mandatory masking within their jurisdictions.
States Resisting Mask Mandate Reinstatement:
Texas: Governor Greg Abbott recently signed legislation that prohibits government agencies from enforcing mask mandates in the state. This law effectively solidifies his executive orders from 2021, preventing the establishment of mask or vaccine mandates, as well as the closure of businesses or schools due to COVID-19.
Arkansas: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in a communication on August 31, declared that Arkansas would not go into lockdown as long as she held office. She affirmed that neither she nor her administration would impose mask mandates or COVID-19 vaccine requirements.
Mississippi: Governor Tate Reeves staunchly opposes the reinstatement of mask mandates, emphasizing that Mississippians should not be subjected to fear once again. He is committed to avoiding a return to widespread masking or COVID-19-related rules.
Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis has consistently opposed mask mandates and COVID-19 restrictions since 2020. He recently reiterated this stance during a press conference, highlighting the civil right of Floridians to breathe fresh air, free from forced masking. He also criticized health officials and the CDC for attempting to promote such mandates and restrictions in the state.
Oklahoma: On September 1, Governor Kevin Stitt affirmed that Oklahoma had refrained from imposing mandates or lockdowns in 2020 and would continue to do so. He emphasized Oklahoma’s commitment to freedom over fear.
South Carolina: Republican Governor Henry McMaster assured residents that his state would not implement mask mandates, school closures, or other restrictive measures. He pledged to steer clear of what he deemed “foolish” actions taken in other states.
Utah: Governor Spencer Cox and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services jointly announced that there were no plans to reinstate mask mandates in the state. They anticipate an increase in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming respiratory virus season but reiterated their intention to avoid implementing mask mandates in the future.
These Republican governors are resolute in their commitment to resist the return of mask mandates and COVID-19-related restrictions in their respective states.”