Colorado governor calls for ‘civility and respect’ as blue states ease mask mandates

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) called for “civility and respect” for individuals’ choices on mask-wearing on Sunday as fellow Democratic governors around the U.S. have begun to lift or ease mask mandates.

Fox News Channel anchor Sandra Smith asked Polis whether or not the recent actions by Democratic governors to lift mask mandates were confusing, given conflicting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and differing opinions coming from the White House.

“Well, in Colorado we haven’t had a statewide mass requirement for close to a year. What the CDC puts out, Sandra, is guidance, they’re recommendations on science. the CDC doesn’t mandate anything. It’s really been up to local governments and … in some states governors to determine when or if people need to wear a mask,” Polis said.

Some states led by Democrats, including Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts, moved last week to ease statewide mask requirements, such as mandates in schools.

Polis said on Sunday that the CDC should continue to provide guidance without political interference and allow people to make their own choices when it comes to wearing a mask.

“There’s something more important than whether you wear a mask or not and that’s civility and respect,” said Polis. “And if you’re somebody who doesn’t like wearing masks respect those who do. If you’re somebody who likes wearing masks, please respect those who don’t.”

During an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt, President Biden said late last week that he felt that the recent decisions to ease mask mandates were “premature.”

“I committed that I would follow the science, the science as put forward by the CDC and the federal people,” Biden said later. “I think it’s probably premature but it’s a tough call.”