As some hospitals and businesses have moved to reinstate COVID-19 mask mandates in recent weeks, an increasing number of voices have begun to declare on social media and elsewhere that “we will not comply.”
Among the most notable of these voices was former President Donald Trump, who released a video addressed to “every COVID tyrant who wants to take away our freedom.”
“Hear these words: We will not comply. So don’t even think about it,” he said. “We will not shut down our schools. We will not accept your lockdowns. We will not abide by your mask mandates, and we will not tolerate your vaccine mandates.”
Many responded to the former president’s message, including Arizona Republican Kari Lake, who tweeted, “Amen, Mr. President. WE WILL NOT COMPLY!”
Lockdowns were initially initiated by officials under his administration, who came up with national guidelines in early 2020 when the virus first arrived on U.S. soil, in hopes that COVID-19 could be dealt with quickly.
However, as 2020 progressed and lockdowns became a mainstay across the nation, President Trump declared that he opposed lockdowns and mandates, saying that “lockdowns are killing countries all over the world” and called on “Democrat governors” to “open up” their states.
Many other voices are now continuing to spread messages similar to Trump’s. Fox News’ Tomi Lahren tweeted a few days before Trump’s message, “Just a reminder. We will not comply. Ever again. Screw your face diapers!! #masks.”
After an Atlanta college confirmed that it would reinstate masking, actor Rob Schneider had a similar message, writing, “Regarding your precautionary mask mandate… I have a precautionary Foot I’d like to shove up your ass! But don’t worry, it’s just for the next 14 days! For your own protection! Ps. Students WAKE UP, SHEEPLE! SAY NO!”
“We will not adhere to lockdowns. We will not submit to mandates,” wrote Dr. Simone Gold, the head of anti-mandate America’s Frontline Doctors.” “We will not wear masks. We will not close down schools. We will not comply to COVID tyranny.”
Conservative journalist Kyle Becker added that people should “make it clear” to businesses that implement mask mandates that “they will not only lose your business but that of anyone you know. Put the word out: We will not comply.”
The surge in messaging against mandates comes as several hospitals in multiple states began moving to reinstate mask mandates. Some of these have only made it mandatory for doctors, nurses and staff, but others have begun forcing it on their patients as well.
This week, Samaritan Health Facilities, a medical group based in New York, announced that it would require masking for staff, patients and visitors. A public relations official with the hospital, Leslie DiStefano, claimed it is being done because “we know is that [masking] absolutely works,” despite hundreds of studies showing otherwise.
Additionally, United Health Services in Binghamton, New York, confirmed it would require masks for patients, visitors, staff and doctors.
“Because of an uptick in COVID-19 cases, masks are once again required in all clinical areas at UHS Wilson Medical Center, UHS Binghamton General Hospital, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and UHS Delaware Valley Hospital, as well as primary and specialty care sites,” United Health Services stated on its website.
The policy, imposed last week, is “in effect immediately for all patients, visitors, employees, medical staff, volunteers, students and vendors.” It added: “Masks are required at nurses’ stations and in conference rooms within clinical departments, including areas where patients register, wait, transport through, or receive testing and care.”
The announcement also stated that masks will be mandated in “common spaces,” including hospital lobbies, hallways, stairwells, cafeterias and patient care units.
Two other Hospitals in New York, Auburn Community Hospital in Auburn and University Hospital in Syracuse, reinstated masking for anyone entering the building, including patients and regardless of vaccination status.
Additionally, UMass Memorial in Worcester, Massachusetts, reinstated its mask policy, but only for staff, doctors and nurses, according to local reports.
“We have continued to see a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 positive employees over the past two weeks, which has led to exposures of both fellow caregivers and patients,” the company said. “In response to this, as a protective measure for our staff and patients, effective immediately we are requiring mandatory caregiver masking for all patient encounters in all licensed clinical areas.”
Additionally, Morris Brown College in Atlanta, the college mentioned by Schneider, said in August that it would mandate masks after an uptick in COVID-19 cases on a larger campus in Atlanta where the college is located.
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