Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (R-AL) on Wednesday released a statement criticizing Governor Kay Ivey’s latest public health order unveiled earlier in the day that implements a statewide face mask mandate for all residents and visitors.

As reported by Yellowhammer News, Ivey’s statewide order supersedes all local mask orders.

Ainsworth in his statement also urged Alabamians to voluntarily wear masks, saying, “Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, I have encouraged all Alabamians to take the steps necessary to protect their own health and the health of others.”

“Wearing a face mask and maintaining social distancing are among the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19, and I have tried to set a public example in those regards,” he advised.

Yet, Ainsworth does not believe a statewide order is the proper way to accomplish mask usage.

“Issuing a statewide face mask mandate, however, is an overstep that infringes upon the property rights of business owners and the ability of individuals to make their own health decisions,” he remarked. “In addition, it imposes a one-size-fits-all, big government requirement on counties that currently have low to moderate infection rates and little need for such a mandate.”

“Masks should be worn to combat further outbreaks, and while I admire Gov. Ivey’s leadership and her on-going efforts, I also believe a statewide order is the wrong way to go about encouraging their use,” Ainsworth concluded.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn