California Governor Gavin Newsom was spotted maskless alongside other Democratic leaders at the NFC Championship game Sunday.
QUICK FACTS:
- Despite the statewide mask mandate currently active in California, Newsom was seen in multiple photos not wearing a facial covering throughout the Rams-49ers game this weekend.
- Former Lakers player Magic Johnson tweeted photos of a maskless Newsom, along with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
- This comes after Newsom implemented a universal mask mandate in December that extends through February 15 as COVID cases surged with the Omicron variant.
- Sofi Stadium, where the game took place also has a mask policy requiring fans to be in facial coverings at all times unless eating or drinking.
NEWSOM ON MASKS IN JULY 2020:
“We all have a responsibility to slow the spread. It is imperative – and required – that Californians protect each other by wearing masks and practicing physical distancing when in public so we can fully reopen our economy. We all need to stand up, be leaders, show we care and get this done.”
BACKGROUND:
- The photos Sunday sparked outrage in parents who called attention to the fact that California schools currently have some of the strictest mandates in the country, SF Gate reported.
- “If @GavinNewsom can attend an indoor mega-event MASKLESS with tens of thousands of other maskless fans, then so can our kids at school, especially when playing at recess! #NoMore #UNMASKOURCHILDREN,” one Twitter user said.
- In 2020, Newsom was under scrutiny when photos circulated of him not wearing a mask and socializing with a large group of people at the restaurant French Laundry located in Northern California.
- The news gained national attention, eventually leading to a recall election against Newsom who ultimately kept his gubernatorial position.
