Arnold Schwarzenegger defended the decision made by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to mandate the use of face masks in public throughout the state.
“This is 100% the right move. 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. It’s not a political issue. Anyone making it a political issue is an absolute moron who can’t read,” the Terminator actor and former California governor tweeted on Thursday.
[Related: Masks get politicized]
This is 100% the right move. 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. It’s not a political issue. Anyone making it a political issue is an absolute moron who can’t read. https://t.co/N0FmCwDU5w
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) June 18, 2020
Newsom announced the face mask mandate on Thursday as part of his effort to reopen the state without spreading the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that face coverings be used whenever 6 feet of social distance cannot be maintained with people outside of a family. Newsom’s mandate does not require those exercising to wear face coverings but does require that masks are worn when entering a building.
Schwarzenegger, who ran the state as a Republican from 2003 to 2011, weighed in on the face mask debate earlier this week after he stormed out of a Gold’s Gym in Venice after being told that the facility would not mandate the use of face masks for those working out in the recently reopened space. He told CBSLA that he would not be returning to the gym without a mask policy in place.
Gold’s Gym announced on Thursday that it would require masks in Los Angeles County.
“We love Arnold and completely respect his decision. We know that where to go and what to do as the country reopens is an important personal decision that everyone must make for themselves. For the safety of our members and team members who are comfortable returning to the gym, we’ve implemented a comprehensive, phased reopening plan with extensive sanitation, safety, and physical distancing protocols in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations,” Gold’s Gym CEO Adam Zeitsiff said.
“In accordance with Los Angeles County guidelines, at Gold’s Gym Venice, members are required to wear face masks when entering and exiting the gym. All team members are required to wear gloves and face masks as part of these protocols, and while we don’t require for members to wear face masks during their workout, we absolutely strongly encourage it,” he added.
