Newsom advises double masks for California, will not follow Texas’ ‘terrible mistake’

The new state guidelines come following Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announcing that they will be lifting COVID-19 restrictions in their states, including mask mandates.

"We will be doubling down on mask wearing,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom in a Thursday statement.

"Not arguing to follow the example of Texas and other states that I think are making a terrible mistake," he continued.

"We are encouraging people basically to double down on mask wearing, particularly in light of all what I would argue is bad information coming from at least four states in this country. We will not be walking down their path, we’re mindful of your health and our future."

Newsom called Texas and Mississippi's approach "absolutely reckless" in a tweet Tuesday.

California updated its statewide recommendations regarding double-masking.

"Double masking" is an effective way to improve fit and filtration. A close-fitting cloth mask can be worn on top of a surgical/disposable mask to improve the seal of the mask to the face. Layering more than two masks is not recommended as this could be difficult to breathe through," the recommendations say.

Dr. Anthony Fauci said in February that there was no clear data that indicated that double masking was more effective at preventing the spread of the virus.

"There’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s no data that indicates that that is going to make a difference,” Fauci said during an interview with the American Federation of Teachers.

While Newsom heightened mask recommendations in California, he also announced Thursday that several counties across the state may be able to reopen for business soon as well as lift other certain restrictions sooner than anticipated.