A sheriff in southwestern Washington state this week told residents not to be “sheep” because of Governor Jay Inslee’s new state order that requires masks in public to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
“In case you haven’t heard, Governor Inslee, in his infinite wisdom, has decided after more than a hundred strange days that we should all wear face masks inside and out. This is what I’m saying: Don’t be a sheep, “Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza told a lively, unmasked crowd that had gathered in a church parking lot in Napavine, Washington, on Tuesday. Snaza arrived just hours after Inslee issued the order amid an increase in the number of viruses.
Snaza said in an interview with KUOW-FM in Seattle that he is frustrated because “we continue to listen to the governor’s requests without asking questions, without saying: ‘Well, wait a minute, there is the other side’ and, in particular, wearing the mask However, now we are telling people to use it and if you don’t use it, we will quote you for that. “
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He said he is not convinced that the masks help prevent the spread of the virus.
Inslee said he was “disappointed” with Snaza at a press conference.
“I think we should be disappointed with any law enforcement officer who encourages illegal behavior,” Inslee said. She added that wearing a mask “is about demonstrating our respect and care for the other people around us.”
Washington Governor Jay Inslee speaks next to a video screen displaying images of people in masks during a press conference Tuesday, June 23, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Olympia, Washington. Inslee announced Tuesday that Washington state will require people to wear facial covers in most indoor and outdoor public settings, under a state-wide public health order in response to health problems related to COVID-19. (AP Photo / Ted S. Warren)
On Wednesday, Snaza clarified that he was not “externally saying he wanted you to violate orders.” She pointed out that she has a mask and her department requires them inside the office and when they enter the houses.
He said he wants to focus on educating the public about the virus rather than giving out fines.
Inslee called Snaza’s clarification “very helpful,” KUOW reported.
California and Nevada have also ordered wearing masks in public across the state, as cases have skyrocketed amid reopening this month.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended wearing masks since April, adding that it is particularly helpful for asymptomatic people who do not transmit the virus to others.
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Other law enforcement agencies in the state released statements this week indicating that the agencies would not comply with the mandate, KUOW reported.
