NYT Reports Mask Mandates Did Not Reduce COVID Spread, DeSantis Anti-Mask Mandate Stance Vindicated

June 1, 2022 Updated 10:00 A.M. ET

NEW YORK (FLV) – The New York Times reported evidence suggesting broad mask mandates have not helped reduce the spread of COVID, vindicating Gov. Ron DeSantis’ stance against mask mandates for Florida.

“The evidence suggests that broad mask mandates have not done much to reduce Covid caseloads over the past two years,” Writer David Leonhardt said. 

The New York Times reports that “masks work and mask mandates do not work.” Leonhardt reports that Covid has spread at a similar rate in cities with mask mandates compared to those without mandates. These mandates have also “done little” to reduce the spread in schools. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis has fiercely stood against mask mandates and lockdowns even though he faced criticism for the decisions. In 2021 made comments that it is “totally unacceptable” for the government to impose those mandates on parents and kids. 

“It’s totally unacceptable to have any level of government imposing that [mask mandates] on parents and on kids,” DeSantis said.

Florida’s Voice reported a study showing the use of masks in schools to prevent the spread of Covid is “inconclusive.” The Governor also called mask mandate extensions for public transportation “COVID theater.“

“Biden’s extension of the transportation mask mandate simply prolongs the misery that passengers and flight attendants are being forced to endure,” DeSantis said in April of 2022.

Time and time again the Governor’s decision not to lockdown Florida has proven successful and allowed the economy to bounce back. 

A scientific study from Johns Hopkins University showed COVID-19 ordered lockdowns had effectively no noticeable impact on COVID-19 mortality rates in the United States and Europe. Another report citing a study on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website said lockdowns are strongly linked to poor health outcomes.