Some states do not yet have a mask order. Why?

As the number of corona virus cases has increased, a public safety measure promoted by physicians and scientists worldwide to help reduce the chance of infection remains stubborn for some Americans: wearing masks.

In fact, as of Friday, 12 U.S. states had not issued orders to wear masks and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a high rate of epidemics.

Meanwhile, the number of corona virus-related deaths in the United States is fast approaching 300,000, according to data from the Corona Virus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University.

Many of those who oppose the wearing of masks claim that the risks of COVID-19 are not exaggerated or that the mask orders violate rights, enforce or create polarization. President Trump has ridiculed the use of masks, although sometimes worn.

In some communities, protests have been staged by those who oppose the masking orders.

In a recent case, the anti-mask Opponents Gathered outside the homes of Idaho’s public health department and team members during a virtual meeting to vote for the local mask command. Diana Lacchiondeo, who was Ada County Commissioner, walked out of the meeting because she said she was worried about her 12-year-old son. Board members voted to adjourn the meeting to a later date.

A Study Researchers at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evolution, published on October 23, have shown that masks can save more than half a million lives by the end of February if Americans wear them every time they leave their homes.

In recent days U.S. health officials have stressed that the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines can take months and that safety measures are paramount. President-elect Joe Biden called on everyone this week Wear masks In the first 100 days of his presidency, which begins on January 20.

“We need your help. Just wear a mask for 100 days,” Biden said in a Twitter video. “This is the easiest thing you can do to reduce COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths.”

Here is the latest information on mask requirements in the United States

Which states do not have mask orders, and what are some of their reasons?

No masking orders in Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Tennessee.

Some governors have voluntarily encouraged people to wear masks, but some have refused to enforce legal orders despite calls for such action from residents, local politicians and health and medical organizations. Some governors have said local governments can better enforce the rules.

“I do not think the mask orders are appropriate,” Republican Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts told reporters Nov. 17. Press conference. However, he has asked Nebraskans to wear masks when going to the grocery store or in crowded or closed settings.

The largest cities in Nebraska have adopted a variety of masking orders, usually offering exceptions for children and those with a disability or medical condition. However, in some areas, such as Douglas County, such rules cannot be legally enforced unless approved by the state. County commissioners recently called on the governor to reconsider his position on the mask orders.

“It simply came to our notice then. Simply wearing a mask makes you safer and respects the airspace of the people you see, ”said Douglas County Commissioner and former Omaha Mayor Mike Boyle in an interview. “The governor is really following the path of Trump. This is so bad. ”

In South Dakota, Republican Gov. Christie Noem opposed the masking orders and refused to close businesses or close churches.

“Since the outbreak began, Governor Noem has provided his people with up-to-date science, facts and data, and then trusted them to make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities.” Ian Fury, the governor’s communications director, said in an email statement. “When it comes to mask orders, the data are clear. Cases are increasing dramatically, even in states that have enforced mask orders.”

South Dakota Sen. Red Dawn Foster and President Perry Purier, both Democrats, recently sent a letter to the governor calling on past parties to look into the need for a mask.

“This is not a political game of roulette playing with our communities or our families. It is a public party issue that transcends political parties and reaches the center of our humanity,” they wrote. Letter Dated November 19th.

The South Dakota State Medical Assistant, which includes doctors, residents and medical students, last week urged the governor to take a more aggressive approach to prevent the spread of the corona virus. The group cited a report by the White House Corona Virus Task Force Suggests The government ensures that masks are worn in public at all times and reduces efficiency in public and private interiors.

“We urge the public to follow these precautionary measures to prevent overcrowding and slow hospitalization to avoid overcrowding our health systems and the situation of inadequate hospital beds, doctors, nurses and other health professionals,” Dr. Benjamin C said. Agar, head of SDSMA, said in a statement. “A vaccine is almost here, but for now, it is important to follow these recommendations.”

Do states without mask orders show higher infection rates than the national average?

Yes. According to the CDC, the infection rate is higher than the national average of 4,730 cases per 100,000 people in all 12 states.

South Dakota has more than 12 cases and 10,057 cases per 100,000 people.

Here are the infection rates for the other 11 states that do not have mask orders:

• Nebraska: 7,556 cases per 100,000 people
• Idaho: 6,728
• Tennessee: 6,248
• Mississippi: 5,869
• Oklahoma: 5,793
• Missouri: 5,463
• Arizona: 5,404
• Alaska: 5,148
• Florida: 5,054
• Georgia: 4,995
• South Carolina: 4,754

Do states with masking orders perform significantly better?

Of the 38 states with masking orders, 18 have higher rates than the national average.

One step Study In a weekly report on the morbidity and mortality of CDC, published in October, the researchers found that “a combination of voluntary and practical measures is more effective than any other measure.”

“Measures enforced by public policy can effectively increase social distance, and wearing masks can prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2,” the study said.

North Dakota has 11,474 cases per 100,000 people, the highest in 50 states. The government opposed the implementation of Doug Burgum Order It was several months until November when he said doctors and nurses needed help as the number of cases continued to rise. “Our situation has changed and with that we have to change,” he said News release.

Vermont decided to launch its mask line in August, citing an increase in corona virus infections.

“Instead of waiting like other states, I think we need to act now to protect our gains that have allowed our economy to reopen,” said Gov. Bill Scott A News release. Green Mountain State has 864 cases per 100,000 people, the lowest in the country.

The country’s top epidemiologist, Dr. Anthony Fucci, said CNN In October, the implementation of the nationwide mandate may be tricky, but it is necessary to help reduce the rate of epidemics.

“They are very simple, but we did not do it all the same. This is one reason we see these uprisings,” he said.

What does it mean when Biden says he will work with governors and mayors to implement the mask order? What if they refuse to cooperate?

Biden said Twitter He aims to sign the executive order requiring masks everywhere. He said wearing a mask was not a political statement but an act of patriotism.

“It will start with me signing one day that I need all the masks I can under the law on federal buildings, interstate travel, airplanes, trains and buses,” he said. “I will do this with governors and mayors in their states and cities. Masks will be needed everywhere, but this is beyond government action. So, as a new president, I’m going to talk directly to the American people: we need your help.”