A Florida sheriff has barred deputies from wearing face masks in most workplaces, authorities said Wednesday, even as the state continues to struggle with record-breaking coronavirus numbers.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods insists there is no definitive evidence that masks carry the spread of the virus – despite explicit CDC guidelines that say just that.
“Well, I can hear the crying already, and just so you know I did not make this decision easily and I have been waiting for it for the past 2 weeks,” according to a memo Woods wrote to staff and was provided to NBC News by the sheriff his office.
“We can debate all day and argue about why and why not. The fact is, the amount of professionals that gives the reason why we should. I can find exactly the same number of professionals who say why we should not.”
The policy applies to all 900 employees of the department and Woods said his decision is final.
“This is no longer a debate and is also not up for discussion,” he wrote.
Marion County, with a population of about 365,000, is in the heart of Florida’s Horse County. The county is located in Ocala, which is about 40 miles south of Gainesville.
Woods’ directive cuts out a handful of institutions where masks would be required, such as in hospitals, nursing homes, courts, schools, prisons or a COVID-19 “address alert from dispatch.”
Woods expects community pushback and told staff to get away from anyone who criticizes his measure.
“If at any time you are confronted by one individual who is complaining, touching you or just being a troublesome individual, you will tell them politely and professionally ‘I am not obliged to wear a mask, nor will I, according to the Sheriff’s Order ‘and then walk away from them,’ the sheriff wrote.
“From that point on, it will be my responsibility and responsibility to take care of the person and answer their problem, complaint or their question.”
The policy would be full in all sheriff buildings and citizens entering that office would be hindered from wearing a mask.
If that citizen does not want a maskless, he or she is asked to leave the building and leave a mobile phone number behind so they can go inside and invite if the sheriff’s employee is free to meet with them.
“In light of the current events when it comes to the sentiment and / or hatred against legislation in our country today, this is done to ensure that there is clear communication and for the identification purposes of every individual who runs a lobby,” wrote Woods. “All our lobbies have glass barriers between you and them that the virus does not magically pass through.”
A spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Health in Marion County declined immediate comment Wednesday.
