Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t hold back.
After face masks became mandatory in California, the actor and former governor of the state took to Twitter to call out those who are against the mandatory move.
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He did so by making it clear that face masks are not “political” and that anyone who thinks so is an “absolute moron.” Those are some big words.
Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom made it mandatory that all residents must wear a face mask while out in public.
This comes after face coverings were recommended, not required, to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered — putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease,” Newsom said last Thursday.
These strict measures come after California reported 4,291 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.
This made it a new single-day record, as well as the first time the state broke the 4,000 cases barrier since the pandemic began, according to The Times’ coronavirus tracker .
“California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations,” Newsom continued.
“That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.”
The state then released more information on the new mandatory measure.
They are now required in “common and public indoor spaces and outdoors when distancing is not possible.”
Additionally, more information from the California Department of Public Health was released on how facial coverings help prevent the spread of the virus.
Wearing face coverings “by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, and/or sneezing, as well as reinforce physical distancing.”
Soon after Governor Newsom’s announcement, some took to Twitter to share their concerns.
There’s even been a mask excemption form circulating online:
This business owner brought up this health concern:
“I am a business owner and my healthy employee almost passed out from wearing one because her oxygen level got too low. So now I had to order oxygen monitors. How am I supposed to continue running my business and keep my staff healthy when we have been masked up for months.”
But one staunch supporter of the new mandatory move is Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The actor and Republican served as the governor of California from 2003 to 2010.
On Thursday, he tweeted out his support for the current governor.
“This is 100 percent the right move,” the actor shared to his 4.6 million followers.
“This will help us beat this terrible virus. The science is unanimous – if we all wear masks, we slow down the spread and can reopen safely.”
He went on to say that this is “not a political issue.”
“Anyone making it a political issue is an absolute moron who can’t read,” he wrote.
He took his position on the matter a step further by collaborating with Gov. Gavin Newsom and three other former California governors.
Together, they made a video campaign, encouraging residents to wear face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“This is not about being weak,” Schwarzenegger said as he held up a mask.
In his Twitter caption, Arnold emphasized once again that wearing a mask is not political.
“Wearing a mask protects the people around you. It isn’t political. It isn’t weak,” he wrote.
“It’s the right thing to do. It lets us get back to work. Do it. #YourActionsSaveLives.”
Arnold’s stance on the matter drew some criticism, which is unsurprising.
“Wake up Arnold, you are in the trap,” wrote this Twitter user.
The Terminator actor was also accused of being misinformed.
“Your intentions are good but you are misinformed. MD’s, scientists, epidemiologist, and investigative journalists have all spoken out about how the CV death count has been greatly manipulated. Most masks do not protect against viruses. CDC/WHO flip flops every other week!”
Others, however, were all for wearing face masks:
“The commenters who pretend to feel oppressed by public health, are just selfish, ignorant, amoral people who have no regard for others, including their own families,” added this user on Newsom’s original tweet.
AMC Theatres even came under fire for not initially making face masks mandatory.
#BoycottAMC trended on Twitter after CEO Adam Aron said that it was optional for people to wear masks after the theatres reopened on June 15th.
But they eventually changed their tune.
As you can see, the reaction to face masks, in general, is very mixed.
What’s your take on mandatory face masks?
Do you agree with Arnold saying that coronavirus masks are not political? Let us know in the comments!
