As the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases surges across the states in South and West, the debate on whether officials need to enforce face masks continues.

During an interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump said he believed in the effectiveness of masks. However, he also said he would not support a nationwide mask order. He believed that the governors should be responsible for enforcing mandates in their area.

The White House's insistence on leaving coronavirus restrictions at the local level has led to conflicting policies. Half of the U.S. states have issued the mandatory wearing of face masks. Other governors are holding out due to various protests where Americans say face coverings obstruct their freedom.

The effectiveness of face masks has been widely contested. Initially, health officials warned against wearing face coverings.

In recent weeks, medical experts said face masks are essential in protecting the economy and saving thousands of lives.

Which states have required face masks?

More than two dozen states have required its residents to wear face masks or cloth masks in public spaces, as reported by The New York Times.

  • Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statewide mask mandate that began Friday. He said the order came after data showed local masks orders reduced the number of cases reported daily.

  • Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson issued a state ordinance on Thursday despite saying he does not support a national mandate. During an interview with ABC program "This Week," the governor said he waited because masks were "unpopular" in his state.

  • Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said his state was "heading in the wrong direction." He also revealed plans for enforcing a mask order after health officials reported 1,679 newly confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday.

  • Florida Representative Donna E. Shalala, a former health secretary, urged Governor Ron DeSantis to issue mask mandates and lockdowns. The order came after state officials reported more than 10,000 new cases for the fifth consecutive day.

Which states don't have mask mandates?

  • Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves refused to issue a statewide mask order amid the soaring numbers of cases and hospitalizations. During an interview on CNN's "State of the Union," the Republican official said he preferred a "surgical approach."

  • Georgia Governor Brian Kemp recently sued Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms after she required masks and reverted the city's reopening. Kemp said her policies were "disastrous" and could threaten the livelihood of the citizens.

Can face masks prevent another lockdown?

According to Dr Christopher Murray, the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, face masks could aid in limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Face coverings, even those made of cloth, could prevent asymptomatic carriers from spreading the virus. It could also prevent a potential second lockdown.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said another wave of lockdowns would be more devastating than the first, the CNN reported.

During the first round of shutdowns, more than 44 million people lost their jobs or filed for unemployment benefits. Many businesses also filed for bankruptcy.

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