Biden Calls for Nationwide Mask Mandate but Receives Pushback from Governors

President-elect Joe Biden has said he and a group of state governors have agreed to a national mask mandate after he takes office in January, as the country is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections.

However, that group does not include Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who has shied away from imposing new COVID restrictions, despite calls from local mayors. Earlier this week, DeSantis extended his executive order that bans local governments from fining people for violating a mask order.

While there are Caribbean-Americans in the United States have welcomed the idea of national mask mandate, while others think it should be left up to state leaders or the residents themselves.

“A national mandate is required at this point,” said Lancelot Hewitt, a resident of New York. “When you look at the deaths nationwide, I don’t see any other way to slow down the pandemic while we wait for a vaccine.”

Another resident said the wearing of a mask should be a personal responsibility. “I feel like it should be everyone’s responsibility to take that upon themselves. I thought that we were a free and democratic nation but somehow it seems that we’re living in a communist nation. I don’t believe that its right,” said Aliya Niles.

But despite his decision, the Republican governor is still urging Florida residents to do their part in protecting the vulnerable population from COVID-19.

Biden’s transition team has treaded lightly on the issue on a national mask mandate. He, however, continues to urge all Americans to wear a mask and social distance. But given the speedy progression of the COVID-19 vaccine, the drug could be on the market before Biden gets a chance to implement his mandate.