Story at a glance
- Acting Idaho Gov. Janice McGeachin prohibited mask mandates across the state among state political entities with an executive order Thursday.
- McGeachin, who serves as the state’s lieutenant governor, issued the order as Republican Gov. Brad Little is attending the Republican Governors Association conference in another state.
- Republican Secretary of State Lawerence Denney signed the order, which took effect at public schools, universities and libraries and county governments across the state at 11 a.m.
Acting Idaho Gov. Janice McGeachin prohibited mask mandates across the state among state political entities with an executive order Thursday.
McGeachin, who serves as the state’s lieutenant governor, issued the order as Republican Gov. Brad Little is attending the Republican Governors Association conference, The Associated Press reported. The governor’s office said McGeachin did not inform Little she was planning the action, and that it is under review.
“Idahoans value local control and the local approach to addressing important issues,” Little’s spokeswoman, Marissa Morrison, said in a statement, according to AP.
Republican Secretary of State Lawerence Denney signed the order, which took effect at public schools, universities and libraries and county governments across the state at 11 a.m. Little has yet to issue a statewide mask mandate, AP reported.
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Idaho reported 192 new COVID-19 cases and one death in the past day, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Meanwhile, more than 31 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated.
Public opinion polling shows a wide range of views concerning mask mandates. A Morning Consult poll released May 18 found that 25 percent of U.S. adults believe local governments should lift existing mandates.
Idaho joins a host of states that have enacted similar executive orders as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relaxed its mask guidance for vaccinated people earlier in May.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbot (R) signed an order last week banning mask mandates at public entities, including public schools after June 4. Officials who attempt to subvert the executive action could face $1,000 fines.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds banned K-12 schools from requiring face masks. Texas and South Carolina have also implemented similar policies.
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