A Florida sheriff has ordered all employees and police officers not to wear face masks as he issued a ban on face coverings at all district offices.
While the local government mandated the wearing of face coverings inside businesses, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods decided to do the opposite as he has banned the wearing of face masks at all district offices.
In his e-mail to employees, the sheriff made it clear that “masks will not be worn” by those representing his Office while on-duty.
“My order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn,” he ordered in an e-mail obtained by The Ocala Star Banner.
“As for special details and/or any special events (paid or not), masks will not be worn.”
While Woods has ordered all of his employees to ditch face masks while at work, exemptions will be allowed when they visit schools, nursing home, jail, hospitals, and the court. In addition, officers will also be exempt from the ban when responding to a call involving a high-risk individual.
“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,” Woods maintained. “However, my orders will be followed or my actions will be swift to address.”
Besides banning the employees from wearing face masks while at work, Woods has also prohibited all visitors and members of the public from wearing face coverings at all of their offices.
“Effective immediately, any individual walking in to any one of our lobbies (which includes the main office and all district offices) that is wearing a mask will be asked to remove it,” the sheriff added.
“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.”
Following the leaked e-mail, the sheriff has allegedly been facing criticism from locals who expressed their concern over the ban.
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Replaced!