One Democrat who hasn't masked her anger at Republicans' handling of the coronavirus was seen without a face covering in a state with a GOP governor.
EXCLUSIVE: AOC Spotted in Miami Beach as NYC Reports Record Covid Cases https://t.co/BzvdsZjOAI
— National Review (@NRO) December 31, 2021
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was spotted in Florida enjoying a cocktail at Doraku Sushi without a mask while on vacation in Miami Beach on Thursday, drawing ire online, National Review reported.
PELOSI, TRUMP REVEAL PLANS FOR COMPETING JAN. 6 OBSERVANCES
The photos drew snarky responses from social media, with some users promoting Florida and its Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
"AOC is vacationing in Miami Beach while New York City burns," tweeted ACT For America founder Brigitte Gabriel. "Isn’t Ron DeSantis awesome?"
"Welcome to Florida, AOC!" tweeted the Team DeSantis Twitter account. "We hope you’re enjoying a taste of freedom here in the Sunshine State thanks to @RonDeSantisFL’s leadership."
Welcome to Florida, AOC!
— Team DeSantis (@teamrondesantis) December 31, 2021
We hope you’re enjoying a taste of freedom here in the Sunshine State thanks to @RonDeSantisFL’s leadership. https://t.co/AU0Khspu8P
Ocasio-Cortez's reported vacation coincides with a sudden uptick in reported COVID-19 cases in her home state. New York state accounted for an estimated 45% of all new positive COVID-19 cases in the United States on Monday.
Despite this increase in COVID-19 cases, New York City intends to move forward with its scaled-back New Year's Eve celebration on Friday.
"We want to show that we're moving forward, and we want to show the world that New York City is fighting our way through this," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on NBC's Today.
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Though New York initially began to ease some of its coronavirus restrictions, many protocols were reimposed due to the prevalence of the omicron variant. The state implemented an indoor mask mandate for businesses that do not require proof of vaccination earlier this month, and New York City requires proof of vaccination along with masks to enter businesses such as gyms and restaurants.
Ocasio-Cortez's office has not responded to the Washington Examiner's request for comment.