Anger over mask mandates, other covid rules, spurs states to curb power of public health officials

[Zorro]

Republican lawmakers pass laws to restrict the power of health authorities to require masks, promote vaccinations and take other steps to protect the public health.

At the entrance to the Lowe’s in a central Ohio strip mall, a bright blue-and-white sign tells customers that, under local ordinances, they must wear a face covering inside. Next door, at Hale’s Ales & Kitchen, a sign asks customers to please be patient with a staff shortage — with no mention of masks.

The city line between Columbus and suburban Hilliard crosses right through the strip mall, Mill Run Square. In Columbus, where the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store lies, the city council early in the coronavirus pandemic created a mask requirement that remains in place. In Hilliard, where Hales is located, the city council has not imposed a mask rule, despite entreaties from the top county health official as coronavirus cases spiked.

Under a new law in Ohio — one of at least 19 states this year that have restricted state or local authorities from safeguarding public health amid the coronavirus pandemic — Franklin County’s health commissioner Joe Mazzola can no longer intervene. The county health department was stripped of its power to compel people to wear masks even as the omicron variant fuels a fifth coronavirus surge in the United States.

“We’ve not been able to put in place the policy that would protect our community,” Mazzola said.

The number of states that have passed laws similar to Ohio’s is proliferating fast, from eight identified in one study in May to more than double that many as of last month, according to an analysis by Temple University’s Center for Public Health Law Research. And around the country, many more measures are being debated or being prepared for legislative sessions to start early in the new year.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/25/covid-public-health-laws-restricted/

[Skittles]

1. so repukes are "pro-life" and "pro-Covid"

fucking HYPOCRITES

[3Hotdogs]

5. Well,, Corona is a life so Repukes are indeed, pro-life and all life is sacred, don't ja know?

They want to see Rona live.

[LoisB]

2. Yeah, that sounds so reasonable. In the midst of a pandemic, hamstring the public health

officials.

[Hoyt]

3. Don't think it's true in the current situation, but I can see cases where Public

Health pronouncements should go through the Governor first, even in rube states where they’ll likely screw it up.

[Busterscruggs]

4. This nonsense

Needs to be stopped. Public health officials should be able to use all powers possible. Don't have a vaccination card upon request? A fine and mandatory quarantine, the pandemic needs to stop but it won't until everyone is vaccinated

[3Hotdogs]

6. Yesterday, I made two stops at rest stops on the N.J. Garden State Parkway

(Exits 99 and 74 so you out-of-staters know that I can go along with the joke).

Anyway, about 30 patrons in total, plus employees. Signage on the door asked for masking for unvaccinated people. No one was there to ask for proof of vaccination.


Now, here's the kicker -----

Everyone was masked even though it wasn't required. This was different from other times when I would see one or two masked people in rest stops.

[IbogaProject]

7. They are pro COVID life

They are pro COVID life.
They are against any attempt of a person to stop that budding life from developing fully. /s

[mahatmakanejeeves]

8. "Holy mackerel, Ohio! Looks like I'm never eating in your state again."

Holy mackerel, Ohio! Looks like I’m never eating in your state again.
Grimacing face Nauseated face
https://washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/25/covid-public-health-laws-restricted/

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