A visibly annoyed Florida Gov_ Ron DeSantis admonished a group of students for wearing face masks at an appearance, saying it was time to stop what he called “this COVID theater.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference after announcing a $20 million dollar program to create cybersecurity opportunities through the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. admonished a group of students for wearing face masks at an indoor news conference Wednesday, saying it was time to stop what he called"this COVID theater.
DeSantis, a fierce opponent of virus mask and vaccine mandates, approached the students and asked them to remove their masks as they awaited the Republican governor at the news conference at the University of South Florida in Tampa. “You do not have to wear those masks. I mean, please take them off. Honestly, it’s not doing anything. We’ve got to stop with this COVID theater. So if you wanna wear it, fine, but this is ridiculous," he said, letting out an audible sigh and shaking his head.
DeSantis is running for reelection and is considered to be a potential 2024 GOP presidential candidate. His opposition to masks and vaccines has drawn national attention, and his administration has banned mask mandates in schools. DeSantis' office did not immediately return an email seeking comment. His spokeswoman, Christina Pushaw, has tweeted defenses of the governor's comments, writing “I mean, someone had to say it, after 2 years of propaganda that terrified and manipulated young people. Breathe free, feel safe and be happy.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Covid-19: Four more Covid-related deaths and 477 hospital casesThe total number of deaths linked to the virus reported by Stormont's Department of Health is 3,217.
Read more »
Biden outlines COVID plans, says it's time to return to workPresident Joe Biden says “it’s time for Americans to get back to work” and he's announcing new efforts to allow people to return to normal activities safely after two years of pandemic disruptions
Read more »
Queen Elizabeth Recovers From COVID and Spends Some Time With Her GrandchildrenQueen Elizabeth visited with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the weekend after isolating for a little over a week due to her positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
Read more »
Queen Elizabeth Is Seen for the First Time Since COVID DiagnosisQueen Elizabeth is seen for the first time since her COVID diagnosis as she returns to her virtual duties.
Read more »