The Palm Beach County Commission voted unanimously today to make masks mandatory. With coronavirus cases rapidly rising in Florida, health officials agree face coverings are one of the keys to reversing the uptick. Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner remarked, “I think this is going to be the most effective pivot point in … suppressing the spread of the coronavirus.” But, in another sign of how polarizing and political masks have become, several people in the room and outside the meeting erupted with anger after the vote. Many of them making it known they are fans of Donald Trump.
The next speaker, Jane Justice: “We’re going to arrest patriots for not wearing masks? We know what side you’re on. It’s all coming from the top. And I say, Trump 2020.”
— Hannah Morse ? (@mannahhorse) June 23, 2020
MANDATORY: Here's the unanimous vote by Palm Beach County commissioners on the face mask requirement and the heated reaction from the audience. @pbcgov https://t.co/0GdbqwbeiG pic.twitter.com/tY4SuPh44c
— WPEC CBS12 News (@CBS12) June 23, 2020
The opponents argued that mandating masks infringed on their rights and claimed that there was little evidence that masks help. They also said the mixed messaging led to confusion.
“We need proof,” Ann Margo Cannon said, armed with nearly 900 petitions opposing the mandate. “Residents do not take it lightly when arbitrary and capricious rules are forced down their throats for the greater good, and then we are given no logical scientific basis for their rules.”
Angelique Contreras blasted commissioners, saying she and others like her are discriminated against for not wearing masks because they have medical exemptions.
I just attended Palm Beach County’s commissioners meeting to vote on making masks mandatory. Two busloads of anti-mask pro Trump supporters showed up and gave all the reasons for not wearing them. We are truly screwed
— Shana Gaines (@VINTAGETOVOGUE1) June 23, 2020
Tuned into the Palm Beach County commission meeting just long enough to catch someone saying they refused to wear a mask for the same reason they don’t wear underwear: “things have got to breathe.”
That’s enough public comment for me today. Please wear masks, people.— Brooke Baitinger (@bybbaitinger) June 23, 2020
People who violate the rules could be fined. The Sun-Sentinel says while businesses are supposed to comply as well, it’s less clear what happens to the ones who break the rule, “Palm Beach County still must decide whether to clamp down on businesses that don’t abide by the mask laws. In Miami-Dade County, businesses can be closed for not complying, and Broward County is expected to pass a similar measure in the next few days, according to Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker.”
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago is in Palm Beach county. Some people pointed out these rules would apply to his resort and to Trump himself when he visits.
Watch more from the NBC affiliate in Palm Beach County above.