On Tuesday, a Florida county sheriff sent an email to his employees ordering them to not wear masks while doing their job and while being in his office.
The Ocala Star-Banner reported that the order given from Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods targetted MCSO employees and visitors.
“[M]y order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn.”
Sheriff Billy said that he made his decision based on citizens' attitudes vis-a-vis police officers in the U.S. He added that through his decision, he is trying to ensure clear communication from his deputies. He said that no mask policy will help them identify anyone coming to the office.
According to the Sheriff, visitors that disagree with the policy will have to wait outside until they are called.
Woods was on phone with President Trump for nearly 30 minutes, hours before he sent his email.
“During the nearly 30-minute phone call, President Trump expressed his commitment to stand with law enforcement as they work to make our communities safe,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post.
As of Wednesday, Sheriff Woods' County has recorded nearly 6,800 cases of the coronavirus with some 104 deaths, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University, which tallies the numbers.
