DeSantis Extends Mask Mandate Suspension in Florida, Critics Call It 'Killing Spree'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis extended his order that suspended any mask mandate enforcement from taking place in all local governments across the Sunshine State.

The move is despite the high infection rates in Florida and health experts urging states to impose a mask mandate as it is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The measure, which is an extension of an executive order, was signed by DeSantis in September. It prevents Florida's local governments from fining people who fail to wear masks.

Apart from prevention of mask mandates the order also prevents ordering restaurants to close unless public health or economic data can justify the move, said a Click Orlando report.

DeSantis remains adamant in keeping Florida open despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Along with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, he said the state will not go back to a lockdown.

He said Florida won't fall back into a lockdown that could "hurt families who can't afford to shelter in place for six weeks."

He announced at the time of the initial order that he was acting on an act of "executive grace" to suspend all outstanding fines and penalties that were applied to individuals.

DeSantis believes the state has to step away from trying to penalize people for not following simple health protocols such as social distancing, reported Breitbart.

Instead, he insisted that the state should "work with people constructively."

Florida Enters 'Phase 3' of Pandemic

With the new order came the Sunshine State's "Phase 3" of the pandemic.

According to New York Post, this means restaurants, bars, and salons will be allowed to reopen at full capacity.

Relaxing health safety guidelines come as a new wave of COVID-19 infections is expected to slam the country with the coming holidays.

Nationally, there are more than 260,000 reported deaths. According to a Sun Sentinel report, there were almost 8,400 infections and 99 new deaths reported in Florida on Wednesday.

This rise in numbers prompted other states to impose stricter safety regulations.

Florida Democrats Criticize Mask Mandate Suspension

Several Florida mayors have put pressure in DeSantis to put up a statewide mask mandate.

St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman, a Democrat, said that a mandatory mask mandate across the state will allow each county and city to determine which of the state's other restrictions "make sense."

Meanwhile, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, also a Democrat said the "enormous surge" in coronavirus cases in the states can be attributed to the governor's insistence to keep Florida open.

Since the city won't be allowed to fine people for not wearing masks, they are thinking of issuing "citations" instead.

Chris King, who was the Democratic Party's 2018 lieutenant governor nominee, also expressed concern with the order.

He tweeted a local news story and provided it with the caption: "Alternate headline: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Continues Killing Spree."

Forbes said in its report that all but 13 U.S. states have already put mask mandates in place to fight the expected surge in new cases.

As mask mandates are suspended in Florida, the state won't be joining this list soon.

DeSantis's office said the governor's primary focus of concern at the moment is still on Assisted Living Facilities.