“This is no longer a debate,” Sheriff Billy Woods wrote.
A Florida sheriff has banned his employees and anyone who visits his office from wearing a mask during the pandemic – a move that is sure to cause controversy, as studies have shown that masks reduce the risk of it transmission of the new coronavirus.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods wrote in an email Aug. 11 to staff that some exceptions will be made, including at courthouses, prisons, schools and hospitals. But “masks will not be worn” by employees on duty at another time, he said.
Woods went on to say in an email received by ABC News that every person who walks into one of our lobbies (which includes the headquarters and all the district offices) has a mask has been asked to remove it. ”
“Well, I can hear the crying already, and just so you know I did not make this decision easily and I have worked it out for the past 2 weeks. … This is not a debate anymore and it is not up for discussion,” he wrote hy.
Woods said for so many health care professionals who want to account for wearing a mask, “he can” find exactly the same amount of professionals who say why we should not. “
His remarks stand in stark contrast to overwhelming medical consensus, in addition to guidance from the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO).
The CDC recommended face masks in April, with the WHO following in June.
Now – more than seven months after this global pandemic – experts have said enough evidence has been gathered to conclude that masks are critical in mitigating COVID-19 spread.
One study published in The Lancet, a peer-reviewed medical journal, found that wearing a mask may reduce the risk of transmission from 17% to 3%.
Woods’ order comes as the City of Ocala, based in Marion County, is working on a mask mandate ordinance in place.
Ocala City Council last week passed an emergency ordinance requiring people to wear masks in businesses; However, Mayor Kent Guinn opposed it on Monday, according to the Ocala Star Banner.
The city council will meet on Wednesday to ignore the fetus, the Star Banner reported.
Florida, including Marion County, set a one-day record for most COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday.
Mask-wearing under law enforcement has been less consistent than in the general public.
An ABC News analysis found that only three of the nation’s largest police departments require officers to wear masks and gloves while protesting Black Lives Matter protests. The other six largest police departments request, but do not appoint, a mandate for officials to wear masks or gloves in public.
In Ocala, officers are advised not to wear masks while on duty so they can clearly communicate with people they encounter, according to the Star Banner.
Woods said as such in his email, telling staff that even if they are one of the exceptions who can wear a mask, “the moment enforcement action needs to be taken … the mask will be removed immediately.”
Woods concluded his email by saying, “My orders will be followed or my actions will be quick to address.”
“Be safe!” Woods wrote.
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