Virus Tolls Similar Despite Governors’ Contrasting Actions

(L) Charles Perez wears a protective face mask and gloves as he waits on tables at the Morada Bay Beach Cafe in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys on June 1, 2020. (Lynne Sladky/AP). (R) The doors of the Baby Blues BBQ restaurant are seen locked in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 25, 2021. (Damian Dovarganes/AP, File).

Nearly a year after California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the nation’s first statewide shut down because of the coronavirus, masks remain mandated, indoor dining and other activities are significantly limited, and Disneyland remains closed.

By contrast, Florida has no statewide restrictions. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has prohibited municipalities from fining people who refuse to wear masks. And Disney World has been open since July.