Despite its inherent danger to individual freedom, several healthcare professionals and Democratic leaders have called for the implementation of a mask mandate.
During a recent interview with Matthew McConaughey on Instagram, White House epidemiologist Dr. Anthony Fauci said that “everybody should have to use” a mask amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Fauci made his position clear after McConaughey asked whether or not a mask mandate should be put in place. He addressed the debate around wearing masks, but went on to say “My recommendation as you probably know because I’ve said it publicly so many times is that absolutely we should have universal wearing of masks.”
The epidemiologist also mentioned that mandates are difficult because of “pushback” concerning whether or not time is wasted enforcing the mandate, and whether the “power of persuasion” from leadership is enough for it to be effective.
Despite calls for a mandate from Fauci and Joe Biden and his running mate Senator Kamala Harris, recent polling shows that only 38 percent of Americans believe that the nation will be able to limit the impact of coronavirus in the coming month.
Fauci’s comments follow President Trump’s criticism of Biden for calling for a mask mandate. While Trump has encouraged Americans to wear a mask in public to prevent the spread of the virus, he – as well as some Republican governors – have been opposed to the idea of turning it into law.
Imposing a mandate would be a restriction on the rights of American citizens to choose what and what not to do with their own health. Support for those in office and those running for office who uphold these freedoms is crucial to the future of the country.