Florida surgeon general says he can't talk "clearly" with mask, doesn't apologize

• Polsky told Ladapo that she had a serious condition. Ladapo offered to talk outside, which Polsky rebuffed, saying she would prefer to chat in her office, Axios' Ivana Saric writes.
• Ladapo, a doctor, reiterated that he "stated multiple times that she had every right to implement any safety protocols she wanted in her office."

What they're saying: "I attempted in good faith to find some way for us to communicate that would respect each of our preferences," Ladapo said in a statement.

• "Having a conversation with someone while wearing a mask is not something I find productive, especially when other options exist," he added.
• "It is important to me to communicate clearly and effectively with people. I can't do that when half of my face is covered."

Go deeper: Florida surgeon general kicked out of meeting with lawmaker for refusing to wear a mask