Over the weekend, the sunshine state experienced an alarming increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, and with the looming transition to a Biden administration, lawmakers and Americans have been questioning the effectiveness and necessity of a mask mandate. In turn, Florida Democrats have made the case as to why there should be a mask mandate, but President Donald Trump (R) has vehemently opposed the order.
In President Trump’s Operation Warp Speed press conference, he noted the reports that deaths were down while cases were on the rise. Still, this worries prominent Florida Democrats, and some of them took to Twitter this weekend to discuss why the President should pursue a mask mandate.
Florida Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D), who was defeated by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez (R), warned Floridians that “as COVID cases surge, families in my community. Are struggling to make ends meet.”
She added that “we need the Republican Senate to pass our legislation to send another round of stimulus checks, unemployment. Aid, funds to keep local governments running, and protections for small businesses.”
As COVID cases surge, families in my community are struggling to make ends meet.
We need the Republican Senate to pass our legislation to send another round of stimulus checks, unemployment aid, funds to keep local governments running, and protections for small businesses.
— Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (@RepDMP) November 14, 2020
Joining her in the call was Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), who took to Twitter to announce that “Florida saw nearly 7,000 new COVID cases on Friday,” asserting that “we need a mask mandate.”
Florida saw nearly 7,000 new COVID cases on Friday. We need a mask mandate. https://t.co/npJ8M2oYag
— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) November 15, 2020
Similar to President Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) does not agree with a mask mandate for the sunshine state, and Fred Piccolo, Jr., the Governor’s Communications Director, reaffirmed the Governor’s stance, stating that there were “almost 150,000 Covid tests yesterday” and adding that there was a “7.5% positivity rate,” which is “still under 10%.”
Piccolo Jr. detailed that the focus should be on “washing hands. Social distancing” and that the state should “protect the elderly.”
In short, the Governor’s office says “don’t lockdown.”
Almost 150,000 Covid tests yesterday. 7.5% positivity rate. Still under 10%. Washing hands. Social distancing. Protect the elderly. Don’t lockdown. Keep calm and carry on. ICU capacity is at 30% available statewide. Hospitals are NOT overrun. Most can ramp up as. Needed too.
— Fred Piccolo Jr (@FredPiccoloJr) November 15, 2020
