FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Florida judge on Monday upheld a county's coronavirus ordinance that requires masks be worn in public places like stores, saying government officials have the authority to protect their residents from the spread of infectious diseases.Circuit Judge John Kastrenakes, noting Palm Beach County’s recent spike in cases and deaths, rejected the challengers' claim that the recently enacted ordinance violates their rights to privacy and personal autonomy.Citing a century-old U.S.
Supreme Court ruling that said a state can mandate vaccinations, Kastrenakes said county commissioners came to “a reasonable and logical conclusion that mandating the wearing of facial coverings best serves their constituents.”“This Court is not.