Florida sheriff bans staff and visitors from wearing masks: 'This is no longer a debate'
OCALA, FLORIDA: As coronavirus cases surge in the US, the country is still grappling with the debate about wearing face masks amid the public health crisis. And not just among the general public of America, even president Donald Trump was reportedly not very fond of face coverings. He had claimed that his job profile doesn’t make wearing it look good. However, recently he made a U-turn and spoke in favor of wearing face gear.
But it seems Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods has not yet understood the importance of face coverings as he issued an order for his staff members saying they will not wear masks at work. For visitors also, he said that they cannot cover their faces while visiting the office. In an email dated August 11, Woods wrote: “My order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn.” This comes after last week, Ocala City Council passed an emergency ordinance making it compulsory for people to wear masks inside businesses. But it was rejected by Mayor Kent Guinn on Monday, August 10. It has been reported that an emergency meeting has been called on August 12 to consider overriding the veto.
But in his email, Woods has made some exceptions, like officers are allowed to wear masks while at the courthouse, the jail, in public schools, and in hospitals. They can also cover their faces while dealing with people suspected of having contracted coronavirus or at high risk of complications from the disease. “For all of these exceptions, the moment that enforcement action is to be taken and it requires you to give an individual orders/commands to comply, the mask will be immediately removed,” the sheriff said.
Woods’ mail continued, “As for special details and/or any special events (paid or not), masks will not be worn. Effective immediately the entity that has requested and has hired a deputy for a special detail will be given clear instruction by Darian Tucker at the time of their written request that masks will not be worn (unless one of the exceptions above applies). In addition, if you are the special detail deputy you will again advise the contact person that a mask will not be worn by you.”
He said that in case if someone confronts officers for not wearing masks, they should “politely and professionally tell them I am not required to wear a mask nor will I, per the Order of the Sheriff,” and walk away. “From that point on it will be my burden and responsibility to take care of the person and answer their problem, complaint or their question,” Woods added.
Woods also explained that if anyone is visiting an MCSO office, they “will be asked to remove it [mask]”. “In light of the current events when it comes to the sentiment and/or hatred toward law enforcement in our country today, this is being done to ensure there is clear communication and for identification purposes of any individual walking into a lobby,” he said, adding: “If a person does not wish to remove the mask they will be asked to leave. If the individual is not comfortable with standing and waiting in the lobby with other individuals, politely ask for their cell number and advise them to stand outside or sit in their vehicle and you will text or call them with their completed transaction.”
Woods also mentioned that he did not take the decision in a jiffy and contemplated it for the last two weeks. “We can debate and argue all day of why and why not. The fact is, the amount of professionals that give the reason 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 said.
Ending his email, Woods stated, “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.”