Florida Sheriff Bans Deputies & Visitors from Wearing Masks Despite COVID-19
A Florida sheriff is taking the ultimate risk by banning face masks in his office, despite the increase in cases and deaths due to the Coronavirus.
Per Forbes, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told his deputies that they are prohibited from wearing a face mask to work despite the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Visitors coming to the sheriff’s office are also banned from wearing a face covering.
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“My order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn,” Wood wrote in an email per The Washington Post and the Ocala Star-Banner.
“We can debate and argue all day of why and why not,” he added. “The fact is, the amount of professionals that give the reason Hello why we should, I can find the exact same amount of professionals that say why we shouldn’t. Since the beginning of this pandemic the operation of this office has not changed and no wearing of masks has been put in place.”
He added that, “This is no longer a debate nor is it up for discussion. Please keep in mind this entire pandemic is fluid and constantly changing the way things are done. However, my orders will be followed or my actions will be swift to address.”
Woods did allow officers working at the courthouse, the jail, in public schools, in hospitals and while dealing with people suspected of being infected with COVID-19 to wear masks.
He also said that if anybody had an issue with his officers not wearing a mask, they could come and take it up with him. His decision comes as Florida’s Coronavirus cases continue to rise.