According to The Associated Press, the governor told students at the University of South Florida that they didn’t have to wear the masks. “I mean, please take off. It’s really not doing anything. This COVID theater has to be stopped. It’s fine to wear it, but this is absurd.”

Before he began the press conference where he announced a $20million investment in cybersecurity workforce education, the governor sighed. Some students removed their masks to attend the event while others wore them.

Christina Pushaw, DeSantis’ press secretary, stated that “someone had” to say it after two years of propaganda that terrorized and manipulated young people in response to the governor.

Pushaw posted the following: “Breathe freely, feel safe, and be happy.”

According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida recorded 25,640 new COVID-19 cases during the week of Feb 18-24.