Florida – Despite coronavirus cases surging nationwide and more and more governors turning to more stringent health measures, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to remain unchanged on his long-held strategy: No mask mandates, few closures and a focus on the economy.
Florida on Tuesday became the third state to hit 1 million coronavirus cases. Texas and California, which have also hit the milestone and ramped up restrictions, DeSantis has shown no signs of ramping up restrictions.
DeSantis extended an executive order last week that prohibits Florida cities from fining people for not following local mask mandates. In addition the order blocked cities and counties from ordering restaurants to shut their doors without showing economic or public health data to justify the move.
“I’m opposed to mandates period. I don’t think they work,” DeSantis said on Monday. “People in Florida wear [masks] when they go out. They don’t have to be strung up by a bayonet to do it.”