President Joe Biden spoke out against governors like Florida’s Ron DeSantis who have banned mask mandates in schools, calling it bad public health policy.

Happening Now: President Biden delivers remarks on his Administration’s progress toward fighting the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing vaccinations at home and around the world. https://t.co/MZd9RxE0UJ

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 3, 2021

Biden’s comments came at a coronavirus update at the White House Tuesday night.

The president says just two states, Florida and Texas, account for one third of all new COVID cases in the entire country. 

He says if governors can’t do the right thing to beat the pandemic, then they should not constrain businesses and universities who want to do so.

“I say to these governors please help, but if you aren’t going to help at least get out of the way of the people who are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives.”

The president says executive orders like DeSantis’s are dangerous. 

“And it’s clear to me and to most of the medical experts, that the decisions being made like not allowing mask mandates in schools and the like, are bad health policy. Bad health policy.”

Biden says it’s clear the only way to stop the spread is by getting vaccinated and wearing face masks.

He says the data is clear-states like Vermont that have reached herd immunity only added five new COVID cases per day. Whereas, Florida added more than 21,000 in one day alone.