Florida House of Representatives

July 3, 2020

The Honorable Ron DeSantis

Governor, State of Florida
Via Email

Dear Governor Ron DeSantis,

This week, Florida saw more than 55,000 new coronavirus cases. In just four months our state has recorded a
total of 169,106 infections along with a seven-day average of about 42 deaths each day, the highest it has been
since May 9.

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, we are requesting that you immediately
implement a statewide mask mandate, similar to what other states have already implemented.

Leading medical experts from across the globe have stressed that using face masks reduces exposure to the
virus, potentially saving countless lives. Local health officials in Florida agree, with Dr. Raul Pino, the state
health department’s officer in Orange County, recommending that the use of face masks be countywide. Dr.
Timothy Hendrix with Advent Health was recently quoted as saying, “The more I read about the effectiveness
of face masks, I am convinced that this is the only thing that’s going to help us to get through until we get a
vaccine.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone wears a mask, too.

This is not a partisan issue; this is an issue of life and death. As lawmakers, there are many times that we must
take difficult votes that aren’t popular but are the right thing to do. In watching the devastation that COVID-19
is causing in our communities we strongly recommend that the State of Florida implement a mandatory use of
face covering over the nose and mouth while in a business or other building open to the public, as well as
outdoor public spaces, whenever social distancing is not possible. This small but important gesture will have big
consequences for the greater good.

Please let us know how we can help in this urgent request and process.

Sincerely,

Representative Anna V. Eskamani Representative Shevrin Jones

Florida House of Representatives, District 47 Florida House of Representatives, District 101
 Florida House of Representatives

Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith Representative Cindy Polo

Florida House of Representatives, District 49 Florida House of Representatives, District 103

Representative Ben Diamond Representative Adam Hattersley

Florida House of Representatives, District 68 Florida House of Representatives, District 59

Representative Fentrice Driskell Representative Amy Mercado

Florida House of Representatives, District 63 Florida House of Representatives, District 48

Representative Dan Daley Representative Javier Fernández

Florida House of Representatives, District 97 Florida House of Representatives, District 114