Disturbing Images of Large Gatherings in Florida This Past Week Put Harsh Spotlight on GOP Governors’ Irresponsible Rollback of COVID Safety Protocols; Failure to Keep Constituents Safe
GOP led states are telling their residents that they do not need to take basic precautionary measures to slow the spread of the virus and are having disastrous results. As President Biden urges the American people to remain vigilant in the fight against the coronavirus while he drastically improves vaccine distribution, Republican led states like Florida are refusing to take measures to keep people safe.
Disturbing images of large crowds gathering on beaches and cities throughout Florida this past week highlight how Governor DeSantis’ refusal to enforce basic COVID measures is leading to growing concerns about surging cases throughout the state, and likely in other parts of the country. Spring breakers are flocking to Florida due to the lack of safety measures in the state as experts warn that the state is primed for a surge and the state becomes the first state to hit 1,000 coronavirus variant infections.
Other GOP led states like Texas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, West Virginia and North Dakota have also rolled back basic COVID safety measures like lifting mask mandates and returning to full capacity for indoor dining.
While the Biden administration makes real progress towards ending the pandemic, with 2.5 million Americans being vaccinated every day, the actions of these states serve only to delay the American recovery and put their own constituents at unnecessary risk.
BACKGROUND:
HEADLINE: “Spring Breakers Flock To South Florida While Some Residents Worry About Another Covid-19 Surge.” [CNN, 3/21/21]
Florida Leads The US On Number Of COVID Variant Cases Of Coronavirus. “Florida on Sunday became the first state to have more than 1,000 known cases of coronavirus variants. The U.S. reported another 834 variant cases since Thursday alone and now has 6,638 known cases, with almost 6,400 of them being of the B.1.1.7 type, the one first found in the United Kingdom, CDC data show. Florida reported another 158 cases, bringing its tally to 1,070 […]. Florida leads the country in B.1.1.7 as well as the P.1 variant first seen in Brazil.” [USA Today, 3/21/21]
Florida Reopened Months Before The Rest Of The Country. “Florida reopened months before the rest of the country, long before the recent wave of states like Texas that have lifted all or most lockdown restrictions and mask mandates.” [New York Times, 3/20/21]
Large Crowds Have Been Drawn To Florida Because They Were Looking For A Place With Fewer Virus Restrictions. “In Miami Beach, law enforcement officials said large crowds had been drawn to the city because they were looking for a place with fewer virus restrictions. Hotel rooms and flights have been deeply discounted, to make up for the months of lost time.” [New York Times, 3/20/21]
March 10: Governor DeSantis Canceled All Fines Related To Local Government Coronavirus Restrictions. “Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order that cancels all fines related to local government coronavirus restrictions. The governor’s order, signed Wednesday, states that any fines on people and businesses imposed by local governments in Florida since March 2020 because of “unprecedented local government restrictions” are remitted.” [WPTV, 3/10/21]
Florida Never Required Face Coverings Statewide. “They’re joining 11 other states — Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee — that never required face coverings statewide.” [ABC News, 3/4/21]
March 2: Texas’ Governor Ended The State’s Mask Mandate And Said Businesses Would Be Open 100 Percent On March 10. “Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday he’s lifting the mask mandate in Texas, even as health officials warn not to ease safety restrictions. Abbott made the announcement during a Lubbock Chamber of Commerce event where he issued an executive order rescinding most of his earlier executive orders like the mask mandate. Abbott said businesses of any type will be allowed to open 100% beginning March 10.” [CNN, 3/2/21]
March 2: Mississippi’s Governor Ended The State’s Mask Mandate. “Republican Gov. Tate Reeves announced the end of Mississippi’s statewide mask mandate on March 2. Tate Reeves: Starting tomorrow, we are lifting all of our county mask mandates and businesses will be able to operate at full capacity without any state-imposed rules. Our hospitalizations and case numbers have plummeted, and the vaccine is being rapidly distributed. It is time! March 2, 2021.” [NBC News, 3/5/21]
March 12: New Hampshire’s Governor Announced An Easing Of COVID Restrictions Including Lifting The Capacity Limits On Retail Stores And The Eliminating The Quarantine Requirement For Out-Of-State Travelers. “New Hampshire is easing some of its COVID restrictions on businesses and travel. […] New Hampshire is also easing some restrictions there. The state will no longer require out-of-state travelers to quarantine when they arrive, but it’s still recommended. […] The governor also says retail stores can now operate at full capacity but says the mask mandate will remain in effect.” [Yahoo News, 3/12/21]
North Dakota Does Not Have A Mask Mandate In Effect. “Gov. Doug Burgum instituted a statewide mask requirement on Nov. 14 amid a rapid rise in the state’s COVID-19 case count. After extending the mandate in December, Burgum allowed it to lapse when it expired Jan. 18, citing a decline in case numbers. Most of North Dakota’s largest cities, including Fargo, Bismarck and Minot, have face-covering orders in place.” [AARP, 3/16/21]
When North Dakota’s Mask Mandate Was Ended The State’s COVID Restrictions Were Lifted. “These Seven States Have Dropped All Covid-19 Restrictions […] North Dakota: The state opted not to renew its mask mandate, first enacted in November, when it expired in January 2021, ending North Dakota’s restrictions (the state averaged 78 cases and 0.4 deaths each day over the past week).” [Forbes, 3/11/21]
March 6: West Virginia’s Governor Began Allowing Bars, Restaurants, Retail Stores, Gyms, And Movie Theaters To Operate At 100 Percent Capacity. “As of midnight Saturday morning, bars and restaurants can now seat indoors at 100 percent capacity. The same is true for retail stores, gyms, and movie theaters. West Virginia’s rapid decline in key COVID-19 numbers is the reason for the full re-opening.” [WOWK, 3/5/21]