Ron DeSantis

Republicans in Texas and Florida are combatting COVID-19 mandates as a matter of personal liberty, even as the data show just how crucial vaccination — and mandates — are to beating the virus.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo comes to Florida from UCLA and is a Harvard Medical School graduate. He says vaccines are not the only way to promote "good health" and the decision to get one is up to each person.

Several studies over the past year and a half have arrived at the same conclusion: mask wearing significantly limits transmission of the coronavirus in schools.

"It really doesn't impact me or anyone else," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said about whether a person gets vaccinated. "Yeah, that's not true at all," Fauci said in response on Tuesday.

A judge ruled Gov. Ron DeSantis' ban on school mask mandates "is without legal authority" and can't be enforced. But that's not stopping the State Board of Education from withholding paychecks.

The judge said DeSantis overstepped his authority when he ordered schools not to require masks for students. COVID-19, especially the delta variant, is spreading rapidly across the Florida.

Monoclonal antibodies can be used to treat people with mild to moderate COVID-19, but the treatment doesn't work for those who've already developed more severe symptoms or are hospitalized.

Some Republicans are blaming the latest surge in COVID-19 cases on migrants crossing the southern border. But many doctors disagree, saying the politicians are just looking to divert attention.

Gov. Ron DeSantis ratcheted up a confrontation with school superintendents on Monday, saying anyone who defies his ban on mask mandates might lose a paycheck. Teachers and staff wouldn't be punished.

A judge's preliminary injunction allows Norwegian Cruise Line to require customers to show vaccination against COVID-19 before boarding, despite a Florida law banning such requirements by businesses.