Virginia Governor Will Make Masks Mandatory After Getting Caught Without One

Hypocrisy abound this weekend, as a number of Democratic governors find themselves in hot water with their constituents over instances in which they believed that their clout meant that the rules would not apply to them.

First came the salacious news out of Michigan, where Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s husband attempted to exploit his Governor’s Mansion address in order to take his boat out for the Memorial Day holiday.  This news came as Governor Whitmer faces ever harsher criticisms over her “draconian” lockdown orders.

Now, a few hundred miles to the east, Democratic Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam is looking to make face masks mandatory, despite having been caught without one just days ago.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced Tuesday that residents will be required to wear a mask inside public places beginning Friday as part of an effort to combat further spread of the Chinese coronavirus.

Northam said in a press conference that people must wear masks “anywhere people can congregate” inside, including retail spaces, government facilities, and public transportation. Masks will also be required in restaurants, except while patrons are eating. Residents won’t have to wear a mask during exercise, and children 9-years-old and younger are exempt from the rule.

“I am taking this step because science increasingly shows us that the virus spreads less easily when everyone is wearing face coverings,” said the governor.

The mandate may be largely symbolic, however, as state authorities refused to comment on just how the regulation would be enforced.

There was more than a bit of irony in the announcement, however.

During another part of his press conference, Northam acknowledged that he takes “full responsibility” for failing to wear a mask while visiting Virginia Beach over the weekend, saying he forgot his mask in his vehicle.

“People held me accountable and I appreciate that,” he added.

To make matters somehow worse, Northam himself is a physician.