Free Republic

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Wednesday said he should have issued a statewide mask mandate earlier, noting that doing so would have made a “dramatic difference” in the fight against the coronavirus. During an interview on public radio, the governor was asked about missteps he may have taken in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Inslee has issued a statewide proclamation mandating the use of face masks in Washington, effective Friday. The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise statewide. “There’s no room in the hospitals,” Inslee said, in response to cases in Yakima County, which potentially has the highest rate of infection on the west coast. Starting Friday, anyone entering an indoor public space will be required to wear a face covering. That includes while standing in line, using public transportation, or spending time in a crowded outdoor area. Those spending time alone outdoors will not be required to...

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office will not be enforcing the statewide order Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday requiring masks and face coverings in public as coronavirus cases continue to increase in California. In a statement Friday, the Sheriff’s Office recommended people should be “exercising safe practices” during the pandemic, including wearing masks, but said it would be “inappropriate” to criminally enforce the governor’s order, or target people and businesses for failing to do so. “Due to the minor nature of the offense, the potential for negative outcomes during enforcement encounters, and anticipating the various ways in which the order may...