Tampa, Florida (AP) — Visibly frustrating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis At an indoor press conference on Wednesday, he advised a group of students wearing face masks that it was time to quit what he called “this COVID theater.”
DeSantis, a fierce opponent of virus masks and vaccine obligations, approached students and asked them to remove their masks while waiting for the Republican governor at a news conference at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
“You don’t have to wear those masks. That is, take them off. To be honest, it’s not doing anything. You have to stop by this COVID theater. So if you want to wear it, it’s okay. This is ridiculous, “he said, sighing and shaking his head.
DeSantis is running for reelection and is believed to be a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2024. His opposition to masks and vaccines has received national attention, and his administration has banned mask obligations at school.
The DeSantis office did not immediately return an email asking for comment. His spokeswoman, Christina Pushau, tweeted the defense of the governor’s comment, writing: Breathe freely, feel safe and be happy. “
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the end of last month Masking guidelines, Not yet I recommend a mask In indoor areas, the risk is considered high. Hillsborough County, where the university is located, is considered high risk by the CDC.
The case has sparked criticism of DeSantis over social media. Florida Democrat Frederica Wilson is ashamed of Governor DeSantis for beating students who choose to wear masks and calling the ongoing #COVID pandemic a “theater.” I’ll let you go. “