Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order banning schools from requiring students to wear face masks when they return to class next month, as the state reports a 50% jump in coronavirus cases this week. The order, effective immediately, asserts that all parents have the right to make healthcare decisions for their minor children, including whether to mask them.
The Florida Department of Health reported over 110,000 new cases statewide in the past week, up from 73,000 the previous week and 11 times the 10,000 reported six weeks ago. Case numbers have returned to levels seen in January, before vaccinations became widely available. The state now accounts for one in five new infections nationally, making it the outbreak's epicenter.
Speaking at a Cape Coral event, DeSantis argued that mask mandates may lead to negative health and societal ramifications, including inhibited breathing and adverse effects on classroom communication and student performance. He stated, 'I have young kids. My wife and I are not going to do the masks with the kids; we never have. I want to see my kids smiling, I want them having fun.'
The governor's order puts him on a collision course with school districts in Broward and Gadsden Counties, which had warned students they must wear masks. DeSantis has vowed to call a special session of the state assembly if schools ignore his order. He also ruled out any new COVID-19 restrictions, saying there will be no lockdowns, school closures, or mandates in Florida.
Just under half of Floridians are fully vaccinated, and 57% have received at least one dose. The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to over 39,000. DeSantis blamed the surge on seasonal factors, such as more people staying indoors with air conditioning circulating the virus.
