Mask or No Mask for COVID-19? Do the Individual Characteristics of Governors Affect the Adoption of Statewide Public Mask Mandates?

Abstract Public mask mandates are widely recognized as one of the most effective policy tools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Across the US, states vary widely in the timeline of adopting a state-level requirement to wear face coverings. Governors play a crucial role in making policy responses to the coronavirus pandemic. Building upon the upper echelons theory, this research explores the determinants of the timing of issuing statewide public mask mandates, focusing on the individual characteristics of state governors. Based on an event history analysis, the study finds that the two characteristics (political ideology and gubernatorial power) of state governor have influenced the time to adoption of statewide public mask mandates. Furthermore, managerial discretion and job demand have a moderating effect on the linkage between the personal traits of state governors and the timeline of adopting public mask mandates.