New research by the 91̽»¨ shows that states eased pandemic restrictions, such as gathering limits and business closures, based on politics as much as COVID-19 death rates or case counts.Â


New research by the 91̽»¨ shows that states eased pandemic restrictions, such as gathering limits and business closures, based on politics as much as COVID-19 death rates or case counts.Â

Political science researchers at the 91̽»¨ examined the factors associated with statewide mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. When controlling for other factors, states with Republican governors delayed imposing broad indoor mask requirements by nearly a month.

New research by the 91̽»¨ examines factors that contributed to decision-making by governors in all 50 states to combat the novel coronavirus.