MEMPHIS, Tenn — In tonight’s Ransom Note: the brick wall about face masks.
I’ll confess, I just don’t get it.
Today, a new Vanderbilt University study proved how if a county has mask mandates, fewer people die of COVID-19.
The study divided Tennessee’s 95 counties into three groups: early adopters of mask mandates, late adopters, and those that have never required masks. The death rate is twice as high in counties where no mask mandates exists, and four times higher than counties like Shelby which adopted a mask mandate early on.
With cases skyrocketing, every day it seems like more researchers, mayors and municipalities plead with Governor Lee to issue a mandate statewide.
Yet Lee would rather leave it to each county mayor and only 21 have done so.
So, if Lee won’t do it for health reasons, is it political?
I hope not because masks actually make sense politically.
Think about it: they let us have it both ways. They not only work against COVID, but they also allow us to keep our economy open.
Look, I know wearing these things isn’t fun.
But Governor, you can sell this. One of the most prestigious universities in your state just gave you cover.
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