Arnold Schwarzenegger: COVID-19 masks aren't a 'political issue'

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Anyone making COVID-19 masks a 'political issue is an absolute moron'

Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't saying hasta la vista, baby to his COVID-19 mask anytime soon.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state order Thursday mandating citizens wear face coverings in public spaces when social distancing isn't possible to slow the spread of coronavirus. Newsom's requirement exempts young children, the hearing impaired and those with medical conditions.

Schwarzenegger said the decision is "100% the right move."

"This will help us beat this terrible virus," tweeted Schwarzenegger, the state's governor from 2003 to 2011. "The science is unanimous - if we all wear masks, we slow down the spread and can reopen safely."

California governor requires residents to wear face masks in most indoor, outdoor settings

Newsom's new requirement waded into the growing national divide over face masks, which are often cast as either a common courtesy to stem the spread of coronavirus or an infringement on personal freedom. It has led to tense confrontations, particularly in Southern California.

Mask matters have been rendered political after President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who have been pushing for a fast restart of the U.S. economy, refused to wear masks in a number of public settings.

On Thursday, the "Terminator" star said wearing masks to stem the spread of COVID-19 shouldn't be "a political issue." He added, "Anyone making it a political issue is an absolute moron who can’t read."

Schwarzenegger has been a vocal proponent of coronavirus safety efforts.

"Stay at home as much as possible," he warned on March 15 ahead of stay-at-home orders. "Listen to the experts, ignore the morons (foreheads). We will get through this together."‬

On March 23, Schwarzenegger donated $1 million to a Frontline Responders campaign aimed at combating the "shortage of masks, gowns, gloves and other critical supplies to protect our medical professionals" battling COVID-19.

The action star shared the GoFundMe page on his Instagram: "This is a simple way to protect our real action heroes on the frontlines in our hospitals, and I’m proud to be part of it. I donated 1 million dollars, and I hope that all of you who can will step up to support these heroes."

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In April, Schwarzenegger joined an advisory committee tasked with steering California back toward economic growth and recovery amid the devastation of the pandemic.

The 80-member task force includes the four living former California governors — Pete Wilson, Gray Davis, Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown. Other high-profile members are former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, Disney's Bob Iger and Tim Cook of Apple.

At least 165,384 people have been reported to have COVID-19 in California, with more than 5,000 deaths. More than 118,000 people have died of the virus nationwide.

Contributing: Gabrielle Canon, Marco della Cava