Marion County Sheriffs Employees Ordered NOT to Wear Masks

[wiltma]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Woods In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.

[Kahuna32162]

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods sent an email Tuesday informing the approximately 900 people working in the department that "when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn,"

He went on to say...."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."

By the way, Marion County, with a population of about 370,000, has had nearly 6,800 confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, with 104 deaths. Marion reported a single-day record of 13 deaths on Tuesday.

Link to full article: Florida Sheriff Orders Deputies And Staff Not To Wear Face Masks : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR (https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/08/12/901756223/florida-sheriff-orders-deputies-and-staff-not-to-wear-face-masks?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news)

And then there's this, 43 sheriff's office employees — including several patrol officers — and more than 200 inmates at the Marion County Jail have tested positive for coronavirus.

[coffeebean]

What is wrong with this man?

[Kahuna32162]

Key word there is elected, and we can fix that!

[shut the front door]

Makes perfect sense for their safetey. Don't like it? Don't go there.

[davem4616]

I read this too and thought "WHAT???"

totally bad timing too, right on the heels of 13 Marion County residents dying in one day

[davem4616]

Makes perfect sense for their safetey. Don't like it? Don't go there.


please explain further how it makes sense so that we understand your insight on this

[shut the front door]

please explain further how it makes sense so that we understand your insight on this

Because there is a war on cops these days. You think the rioters and looters are wearing masks to protect them from covid? No, they are wearing them to hide their identity. People walking into a law enforcement building with a mask on present a threat.

[Stu from NYC]

Read about this earlier today and shocking.

[starflyte1]

What is wrong with this man?

Not a thing!!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Because there is a war on cops these days. You think the rioters and looters are wearing masks to protect them from covid? No, they are wearing them to hide their identity. People walking into a law enforcement building with a mask on present a threat.

Explain how uniformed officers who work in that office, who the Sheriff knows personally and would recognize with or without a mask on, presents a safety threat by wearing a mask at work.

In fact - explain why Sheriff Billy-Bob-Jimbo isn't able to have masks ordered and customized with the employee's actual NAME embroidered on it, to further provide identification for employees wearing masks in the workplace.

[bimmertl]

It's sheriff Billy Woods.

He has prohibited his deputies from wearing masks while on duty. In addition he has prohibited employees who work in the sheriffs office from wearing masks.


Marion County deputies ordered not to wear masks - News - Ocala.com - Ocala, FL (https://www.ocala.com/news/20200811/marion-county-deputies-ordered-not-to-wear-masks)

[Clarinet]

And we wonder why the state of Florida is one of the leading states in the US with covid. Apparently this sheriff hasn't been watching the news for the past 6 months. Nice to know that this man cares about his employees and the public.

[justjim]

Makes perfect sense for their safetey. Don't like it? Don't go there.

Sounds like the Sheriff is on an ego and power trip. Deputies/Sheriff wearing a mask is not about them but it’s all about the people they come in contact with on a daily basis. You can bet many of his Deputies don’t agree with this policy but are “forced” to go along with his dumb policy and attitude.

[LoisR]

What is wrong with this man?

How novel this would be. From 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to the local Sheriff Andy and Barney. Einstein was right again. "Stupidity has no boundaries."

[Stu from NYC]

If we lived in Marion county would definitely vote against him. Might be time to move.

[GoPacers]

Because there is a war on cops these days. You think the rioters and looters are wearing masks to protect them from covid? No, they are wearing them to hide their identity. People walking into a law enforcement building with a mask on present a threat.

I must have missed the article talking about all the rioting, looting and attacks on sheriff's deputies in Ocala. I certainly understand protecting the health and well-being of the deputies who are under siege.

It's a good thing there are no other threats in the community that might be aided by our respected law enforcement professionals wearing a mask...

[coffeebean]

Because there is a war on cops these days. You think the rioters and looters are wearing masks to protect them from covid? No, they are wearing them to hide their identity. People walking into a law enforcement building with a mask on present a threat.

If this is the reason for the "NO MASK" order from the Sheriff, then the use of face shields should be allowed, in fact, should be required.

[xNYer]

Because there is a war on cops these days. You think the rioters and looters are wearing masks to protect them from covid? No, they are wearing them to hide their identity. People walking into a law enforcement building with a mask on present a threat.

Officers can’t wear masks because they need to hide their identity.

[tophcfa]

It's sheriff Billy Woods.

He has prohibited his deputies from wearing masks while on duty. In addition he has prohibited employees who work in the sheriffs office from wearing masks.


Marion County deputies ordered not to wear masks - News - Ocala.com - Ocala, FL (https://www.ocala.com/news/20200811/marion-county-deputies-ordered-not-to-wear-masks)

I hope no one get covid as a result of this, but if they do I hope they take him to court for everything he has, except his lack of intelligence.

[jedalton]

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods sent an email Tuesday informing the approximately 900 people working in the department that "when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn,"

He went on to say...."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."

By the way, Marion County, with a population of about 370,000, has had nearly 6,800 confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, with 104 deaths. Marion reported a single-day record of 13 deaths on Tuesday.

Link to full article: Florida Sheriff Orders Deputies And Staff Not To Wear Face Masks : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR (https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/08/12/901756223/florida-sheriff-orders-deputies-and-staff-not-to-wear-face-masks?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news)

And then there's this, 43 sheriff's office employees — including several patrol officers — and more than 200 inmates at the Marion County Jail have tested positive for coronavirus.
Masks Are Neither Effective Nor Safe: A Summary Of The Science (https://www.technocracy.news/masks-are-neither-effective-nor-safe-a-summary-of-the-science/?fbclid=IwAR076FOXl7aDzfJahM7AbhRJ3JZB1Z1XwTUdf3V_ Sjc9fBsME0l9nboNzM8)

[Nannyof3]

I bet he’ll be the first one in line for the vaccine

[tonycirocco@me.com]

Think I'll go with Billie-Bob-Jimbo.....


He has prohibited his deputies from wearing masks while on duty. In addition he has prohibited employees who work in the sheriffs office from wearing masks.


Marion County deputies ordered not to wear masks - News - Ocala.com - Ocala, FL (https://www.ocala.com/news/20200811/marion-county-deputies-ordered-not-to-wear-masks)[/QUOTE]

[coffeebean]

Masks Are Neither Effective Nor Safe: A Summary Of The Science (https://www.technocracy.news/masks-are-neither-effective-nor-safe-a-summary-of-the-science/?fbclid=IwAR076FOXl7aDzfJahM7AbhRJ3JZB1Z1XwTUdf3V_ Sjc9fBsME0l9nboNzM8)

I do not believe this summary. I believe actual videos with infrared cameras which DEMONSTRATE how the use of masks minimizes projection of droplets and aerosols a persons nose and mouth when they speak or breath. The demonstrations are even more effective when a person sneezes or coughs.

[MandoMan]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Fields In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.

My girlfriend spends winters in Ocala training her horse. Her parents live four hours south of Ocala. Both are now in the hospital with Covid-19, and they seem to be going downhill. One is 91, one 85. They don’t know how they were exposed, they say, but her mom has dementia and is quite able to walk around touching things and not wearing a mask. So I’m a bit sensitive about masks these days. I believe in wearing them when around people. Gloves, too.

I read the sheriff’s directive in the newspaper. Twice. I wish he had stated a rationale, such as “I don’t believe masks help,” or “The safety of my employees and the public doesn’t matter to me,” or “I’m afraid of alienating voters if I require masks.”

I found his directive confusing. “All essential personnel (and that’s everyone)” is required to wear masks if the CDC requires it and Human Resources says to comply. Put hasn’t the CDC strongly recommended masks?

Sheriff’s personnel are FORBIDDEN to wear masks for a call to someone who is sick at home and may have Covid-19 AFTER they have been identified. What? Maybe the sheriff simply doesn’t express himself clearly in writing. (Perhaps he means deputies are to stand at a distance without masks while identifying themselves, but then put on masks and gloves before approaching? Maybe this is meant to keep from scaring people. Just a guess.) If I recall correctly, they are also forbidden to wear masks while making arrests. What?

And the public isn’t allowed into the Sheriff’s Department if they ARE wearing masks. If they want to wear masks, they can come in without a mask, request a paper where they can write their phone number, then stand outside wearing their masks until a deputy comes out to see what they want. That’s the policy! What? Are they supposed to hold their breath while standing in line in the lobby? In the post office, every customer wears a mask or becomes a social pariah. But no one who actually has the virus would come into the Sheriff’s Office? Really?

It seems to me that the sheriff has been watching too many misinformed YouTube videos. Or perhaps he knows where his bread is buttered, so to speak, and he wants to keep that butter coming. With all this “good” publicity, maybe he’s hoping for a new job in Washington in some agency. But he won’t have my vote.

Let me mention that I support strong law enforcement and favor chain gangs for looters. I believe blue lives matter. So let’s keep them alive! The sheriff seems to not care about that.

[donassaid]

No, he should put the safety of his officers first. Good for him. This mask insanity has gone far enough. Do you wear yours to bed at night?

[Leadbone1]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Fields In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.

Wow, glad to hear that the sheriff has some common sense and doesn’t want to have all his employees looking like paranoid idiots. He realizes that none of these makeshift masks can stop a virus. Good for him. I don’t live in that county but I think I’ll call there and congratulate him for having some common sense!

[MandoMan]

Masks Are Neither Effective Nor Safe: A Summary Of The Science (https://www.technocracy.news/masks-are-neither-effective-nor-safe-a-summary-of-the-science/?fbclid=IwAR076FOXl7aDzfJahM7AbhRJ3JZB1Z1XwTUdf3V_ Sjc9fBsME0l9nboNzM8)

I read the article all the way through. It seems sober and balanced. Some of the points about masks making it harder to breathe may be overstated, as masks aren’t always worn for long. The point about wearing dirty or wet masks makes sense. More importantly, the article cites many scholarly medical articles from sound sources. I read half a dozen of those and learned from them.

Still, when people exhale, aerosolized microbes come out. That is thoroughly documented. They can be cultured and grown. Perhaps some studies have found that these can’t pass to others, but I don’t want to exhale microbes onto others, and I don’t want them to exhale them onto me. What else are we too do? One claim in the article is that in the operating room, it’s clothes that spread contamination into wounds, rather than breath, so gowns are necessary, but not masks. Okay. But what are the implications? Should we leave our masks at home and instead walk around wearing sterile gowns so we don’t shed viruses onto others from our microbe-laden clothing, even though our breath isn’t a problem? It’s problematic.

I plan to continue wearing a mask when I’m around people, changed quite frequently, and to wear a new pair of surgical gloves when I am in a store, and to not eat in restaurants if the employees are not wearing masks and gloves. I’d really rather not catch this.

[Travelhunter]

Because there is a war on cops these days. You think the rioters and looters are wearing masks to protect them from covid? No, they are wearing them to hide their identity. People walking into a law enforcement building with a mask on present a threat.
People walking into a law enforcement building without a mask present a threat also to themselves and everyone else in the building!

[matandch]

Except when a maskless unknowing covid positive deputy stops you for a burned out tail light and spews virus at you.

[Leadbone1]

I hope no one get covid as a result of this, but if they do I hope they take him to court for everything he has, except his lack of intelligence.

Ridiculous. You can’t hide from a virus and you could never prove that anyone that works for him gave somebody the virus. Masks do not work. People are paranoid. Never thought I would see this in the United States of America. The media has turned many people into total idiots

[llmcdaniel]

Sheer lunacy! Vote his ass out. Sadly, by that time, how many innocent people will have become ill and possibly died from such a stupid order???? Also, my son is a police officer. He will be the first to say that criminals often spit in the face of officers. At least a mask or shield would protect the officer from such behavior.

[Two Bills]

No mask!----No Coffee and Donuts from Dunkin!

[xhippee]

Maybe a lot of you didn't read his statement. He did this to promote CLEAR COMMUNICATION between his deputies and the public. I approve.

[Girlcopper]

Makes perfect sense for their safetey. Don't like it? Don't go there.
Exactly. The masks make it dangerous enough in public since you dont know who youre talking too and wont be able to identify someone who may attack or rob you. Read the article completely. It is meant as “no mask” inside the police dept for workers and guests. Dont go there then. Make a call. Deputies are still wearing masks inside the jail, hospitals and all other required places. The sheriffs office is their “home”. And they cn set up the rules the way they want and for their own reasons. How many of you actually walk into the sheriffs office anyway. Just another reason for everybody to b****. Get a hobby or part time job and occupy yourself.

[Girlcopper]

Explain how uniformed officers who work in that office, who the Sheriff knows personally and would recognize with or without a mask on, presents a safety threat by wearing a mask at work.

In fact - explain why Sheriff Billy-Bob-Jimbo isn't able to have masks ordered and customized with the employee's actual NAME embroidered on it, to further provide identification for employees wearing masks in the workplace.
Their name embroidered on it?? This isnt sleep away camp where we write our names in our underwear. Geeez

[Leadbone1]

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods sent an email Tuesday informing the approximately 900 people working in the department that "when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn,"

He went on to say...."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."

By the way, Marion County, with a population of about 370,000, has had nearly 6,800 confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, with 104 deaths. Marion reported a single-day record of 13 deaths on Tuesday.

Link to full article: Florida Sheriff Orders Deputies And Staff Not To Wear Face Masks : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR (https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/08/12/901756223/florida-sheriff-orders-deputies-and-staff-not-to-wear-face-masks?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news)

And then there's this, 43 sheriff's office employees — including several patrol officers — and more than 200 inmates at the Marion County Jail have tested positive for coronavirus.

Well their death rate compared to population would be about a 99.8% survival rate. That’s exactly about the same as the flu. So for me glad to see the sheriff is using some common sense and not operating with total paranoia like a lot of people.

[Eg_cruz]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Fields In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.
No I don’t agree but he did put a lot of exceptions to his no mask, like except when around the elderly, except when you have to engage someone up close, except when you feel the did, and so on. He has also mandated that they have to have a mask on their person at all times when on duty. So now it is up to the duties to control when they feel the need to mask up. Again don’t agree it has been proven over and over again constant close contact with individuals as how the virus spreads so when you’re in an office you were in close contact so I’m not quite sure how this is going to play for him.

[oneclickplus]

Not a thing!!!

Agreed. Nothing wrong with this man. He is simply responding appropriately to the thug world around him.

[robbroyy]

Waiting for the media to realize that part of The Villages is in Marion County...another round of national public ridicule about our community

[wwwson]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Fields In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.

He clearly has no regard for the safety of his community. A moronic decision That is shameful.

[MOMOH]

He's looking for his 15 minutes of fame....of course the national media is going to report on this. Florida seems to be leading the states in COVID and IDIOTS!

[wiltma]

No I don’t agree but he did put a lot of exceptions to his no mask, like except when around the elderly, except when you have to engage someone up close, except when you feel the did, and so on. He has also mandated that they have to have a mask on their person at all times when on duty. So now it is up to the duties to control when they feel the need to mask up. Again don’t agree it has been proven over and over again constant close contact with individuals as how the virus spreads so when you’re in an office you were in close contact so I’m not quite sure how this is going to play for him.

Where did you read these exceptions?

[nob77@comcast.net]

👍🏻 yup

[wsachs]

And some dude walking around Walmart with a AK 47 and a pistol on his hip isn’t?

[psoccermom]

please explain further how it makes sense so that we understand your insight on this
If you read the article you would understand the statement that it makes sense. With the climate today of anti-cops he wants to be able to identify friend or foe. If someone comes into the sheriff's office wanting to do harm he wants to be able to identify them. Out on the road, when his officers give a command, he wants them to be understood the first time. As we all know, wearing a mask makes it hard to be heard. It makes perfect sense to me that he wants to protect his employees. I lived in Marion County for 35 years and can tell you this man is well loved for his common sense approach.

[dprincipal]

Insane. Follow the scientists.

[Green-Eyed Lady]

Makes perfect sense for their safetey. Don't like it? Don't go there.

Masks do NOTHING to prevent the spread of the Chinese Flu. I say cheers to Sheriff Billy! Ignore the media, and think for yourself.

[GaryKoca]

And his comment that you can find an equal number of people who are against masks as those who are for masks is completely ridiculous. Just about ALL of the REAL medical experts say that wearing masks will save lives. End of discussion, Billy Woods.

[Get real]

"Stupidity has no boundaries."

Apparently...:blahblahblah:

[Green-Eyed Lady]

Wow, glad to hear that the sheriff has some common sense and doesn’t want to have all his employees looking like paranoid idiots. He realizes that none of these makeshift masks can stop a virus. Good for him. I don’t live in that county but I think I’ll call there and congratulate him for having some common sense!

Sheriff Billy should expect a huge amount of support from thinking people!:a040:

[meridian5850]

Everyone opposed to this seems to think that every person they encounter has this virus when in fact, 98%+ of the population does not. I'm more concerned with idiots in roundabouts making a left turn from the right lane without a signal in front of me to be honest.

[meridian5850]

I bet he’ll be the first one in line for the vaccine

I'll take that bet. How much? Name the amount. We'll have an escrow agent hold the money.

[nn0wheremann]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Woods In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.
Vote the fool out of office.

[DonnaNi4os]

The insanity continues. I’m not quite sure why the no-mask mandate. Perhaps it is difficult for facial recognition?? Doesn’t seem to make sense to me but this is 2020, the year where nothing makes sense. So, my question is...if I need a member of the Marion County’s Sheriff department to respond to a medical emergency in my home, will they be wearing a mask? I sure hope the answer to that is a yes!

[Joyce952]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Woods In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.
Do you have a number to call on this?

[dboyd29]

He’s got my vote! Masks don’t work.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Their name embroidered on it?? This isnt sleep away camp where we write our names in our underwear. Geeez

Law enforcement agencies AND militiary organizations provide name patches for officer uniforms. That's not sleep-away camp. That's accountability. There's no reason why the same can't be done on the side of a mask.

If the concern is "the sheriff can't identify you if you're wearing a mask" then the obvious solution is to put your identity on the mask.

A police officer wearing his uniform, with a mask on that has a name that matches the patch on his uniform, coming out of an actual police car and approaching a vehicle whose driver has violated some kind of law - should be easily recognized as legit by the driver of that vehicle.

There's no reason why that officer shouldn't wear a mask.

And if they won't let them wear masks and insist it's an "identity" issue, then they can require clear face shields. Then there'd be no doubt that the person sitting in Lt. Clark's seat really is Lt. Clark.

This isn't rocket science. Even 3rd graders could come up with clever ways of keeping a face safe while allowing identification of that face to others.

[NewRealms]

Seems to me there is a lot of sense to this. They are law enforcement and hiding behind a mask deters their ability to serve. It takes common sense to stay away from someone who is hacking and sneezing. Use your common sense.

[Stu from NYC]

Except when a maskless unknowing covid positive deputy stops you for a burned out tail light and spews virus at you.

Exactly, do you tell him respectfully please put on a mask before we start a conversation?

[theruizs]

This is why this virus is lingering around and destroying our economy. If everyone had just been required to wear masks and it was enforced as much as possible, things would be so much better right now. It is decisions like his and the attitude of other selfish mefirsters that is extending the severity of this pandemic in Florida.

[Heritage]

The reason for masks is probably;
1. with all the crazies running around that are against the police, you cannot identify a person with a mask who walks in the door.
2 . all employees can then identify each other in case there happens to be an unauthorized person who came in the back door.
3. Messages are sometimes not heard or understood correctly with a mask on.

[Taltarzac725]

Marion County sheriff forbids masks for deputies, visitors of Marion County Sheriff's Office (https://www.wesh.com/article/marion-county-sheriff-forbids-masks-for-deputies-visitors-of-marion-county-sheriffs-office/33586241#)

What happened to critical thinking in the US? Or, at least, by this Sheriff?

Is he expecting the Terminator to come into his building?

When you encounter a threat too you would hardly be smiling at the person who is posing a danger. So what difference would a mask make when worn by an officer?

[CFrance]

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods sent an email Tuesday informing the approximately 900 people working in the department that "when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn,"

He went on to say...."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."

By the way, Marion County, with a population of about 370,000, has had nearly 6,800 confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, with 104 deaths. Marion reported a single-day record of 13 deaths on Tuesday.

Link to full article: Florida Sheriff Orders Deputies And Staff Not To Wear Face Masks : Coronavirus Live Updates : NPR (https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/08/12/901756223/florida-sheriff-orders-deputies-and-staff-not-to-wear-face-masks?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news)

And then there's this, 43 sheriff's office employees — including several patrol officers — and more than 200 inmates at the Marion County Jail have tested positive for coronavirus.
Good-ole Sheriff Billy...

[Kahuna32162]

He's become a national embarrassment as this story is now all over the news.

[Byte1]

Because there is a war on cops these days. You think the rioters and looters are wearing masks to protect them from covid? No, they are wearing them to hide their identity. People walking into a law enforcement building with a mask on present a threat.

Exactly!!!! Nuff said.

[Byte1]

So, lets get this into perspective. Before this pandemic, if someone wore a mask into a business, especially a law enforcement agency, what would have happened???? Yes, I am sure you know the answer. Now, add to that AntiFa that hates and kills law enforcement and are a constant threat. How do you tell if they are coming into the police station to request assistance or coming in to kill COPs? You can't. Why do you feel that an officer should not take the same precautions as you do to survive during this time? You want to defund the police, AND have them do the same job, only with their hands tied behind their backs.
SHAME ON YOU ALL!

Just a little story about how dangerous their job is. This is a true story about a guy that I fought with in Vietnam. He was one of the only 9 or so guys on a hill that did not get wounded or killed in one particularly bad fire fight over there. He returned home later ('70s) and went into law enforcement. NYC police to be more precise. His partner and he was patrolling the streets on foot patrol when three men walked past them. It does not matter that they were black, but I am throwing it in for detail. After they walked past them, they turned around and pulled guns and emptied them into the two police officers, killing them. The guy that I served with, made it all the way home safely, only to be gunned down with nine bullets in the back by his own fellow Americans. You may have seen the movie they made related to it back in the 70's.

The Police have a very hard job and they are underpaid. Just because you all are scared and hide under your beds because of the boogieman called COVID19 does not mean there are other dangers in this world. If you can't take your mask off to enter a police station and stand six feet away from the person you are speaking with, then you probably don't need to be there.

It makes one wonder how folks can leave their homes, considering all the dangers in the world.

I applaud the leadership of this man that wishes to protect his men and women in uniform. The chances of anyone catching and then the chances of dying from it is so low, especially for those that are supposed to be healthy and protecting us. I do not see why you can't take care of most of what you need from an officer on the phone anyway.

It's not just about you. We have folks out there putting their lives on the line every day, and catching a virus is the least of their problems when they have folks micro managing them at their every turn, and others that want only to kill them.

[Mfrench]

I agree with the Sheriff. Wearing a mask for long periods subjects people to Breathing in an unhealthy amount Of CO 2. Occasional uses of masks is not dangerous- long periods of mask usage is. Read the studies

[JoMar]

Those that live in the County can fix this.....he is elected right?

[jimjamuser]

If this is the reason for the "NO MASK" order from the Sheriff, then the use of face shields should be allowed, in fact, should be required.
Good point about face shields. That would "un-mask" his real reason for making this rule - to get re-elected or get to be Mayor by pandering to the confused logic of his probable voters who are now "mask adverse" due to leadership propaganda and general conservative thinking in rural America and Florida. He may change as local people he knows DIES. This Pandemic is in ONLY the 2nd inning. The CV will NOT be blocked by a tiny silver badge and a uniform. A mask CAN help block it. Remember people in Australia and most of Europe are leading normal lives. We are in BIZZARO land and Marian Co. is a GREAT example!

[jimjamuser]

My girlfriend spends winters in Ocala training her horse. Her parents live four hours south of Ocala. Both are now in the hospital with Covid-19, and they seem to be going downhill. One is 91, one 85. They don’t know how they were exposed, they say, but her mom has dementia and is quite able to walk around touching things and not wearing a mask. So I’m a bit sensitive about masks these days. I believe in wearing them when around people. Gloves, too.

I read the sheriff’s directive in the newspaper. Twice. I wish he had stated a rationale, such as “I don’t believe masks help,” or “The safety of my employees and the public doesn’t matter to me,” or “I’m afraid of alienating voters if I require masks.”

I found his directive confusing. “All essential personnel (and that’s everyone)” is required to wear masks if the CDC requires it and Human Resources says to comply. Put hasn’t the CDC strongly recommended masks?

Sheriff’s personnel are FORBIDDEN to wear masks for a call to someone who is sick at home and may have Covid-19 AFTER they have been identified. What? Maybe the sheriff simply doesn’t express himself clearly in writing. (Perhaps he means deputies are to stand at a distance without masks while identifying themselves, but then put on masks and gloves before approaching? Maybe this is meant to keep from scaring people. Just a guess.) If I recall correctly, they are also forbidden to wear masks while making arrests. What?

And the public isn’t allowed into the Sheriff’s Department if they ARE wearing masks. If they want to wear masks, they can come in without a mask, request a paper where they can write their phone number, then stand outside wearing their masks until a deputy comes out to see what they want. That’s the policy! What? Are they supposed to hold their breath while standing in line in the lobby? In the post office, every customer wears a mask or becomes a social pariah. But no one who actually has the virus would come into the Sheriff’s Office? Really?

It seems to me that the sheriff has been watching too many misinformed YouTube videos. Or perhaps he knows where his bread is buttered, so to speak, and he wants to keep that butter coming. With all this “good” publicity, maybe he’s hoping for a new job in Washington in some agency. But he won’t have my vote.

Let me mention that I support strong law enforcement and favor chain gangs for looters. I believe blue lives matter. So let’s keep them alive! The sheriff seems to not care about that.
I agree about the GLOVES also. Especially for deputies that will touch their mouths and then people or objects for people to touch. What if they work in that contagious prison then go and sit at McDonalds. Do they or anyone sanitize behind them? I think not. Public servants are PAID to SERVE the people that they interact with. Taxpayers are getting ripped off and killed in Marion Co. Some lawyer - please sue. What if ALL the property owners of Marion Co. refused to send in their checks for property tax? Would that get the Sheriff fired? Just trying to imagine a more perfect world - sorry, I must be day-dreaming.

[Velvet]

That Sherif is not playing with all his/her marbles, should be fired for endangering the public, instead of serving and protecting them.

[jimjamuser]

Ridiculous. You can’t hide from a virus and you could never prove that anyone that works for him gave somebody the virus. Masks do not work. People are paranoid. Never thought I would see this in the United States of America. The media has turned many people into total idiots
Yes and half of the people in the US need to look themselves in the eye and ask, "am I that idiot?'

[jimjamuser]

Well their death rate compared to population would be about a 99.8% survival rate. That’s exactly about the same as the flu. So for me glad to see the sheriff is using some common sense and not operating with total paranoia like a lot of people.
That statistic does NOT take into consideration those who suffer at home or in a hospital and survive. And there are yet uncalculated adverse LIFETIME effects. This is a NOVEL virus, its future behavior and threat is unknown. Best to NOT get it at all. Do NOT disregard science! You can't pray away the CV.

[canyonblue]

Yes and half of the people in the US need to look themselves in the eye and ask, "am I that idiot?'

We've had 545,040 positive cases of Covid-19 in Florida, I wonder how many religiously wore a mask? That would be a great follow up I would love to see. And with 8,765 deaths in Florida, the 55+ group account for 93% of them. If you can't understand why those under 55 don't feel at risk then you're delusional. The death rate for those in the age group 25-34 is 0.0005. And that's just from the REPORTED positives. You're right, they're more likely to die from an old person in a car crash. If I was in that age group I'd say I'll wear a mask when you start road testing every person over 65 every year. Among females, the over-65 age group had the highest number of fatalities followed by the 16-to-20 age group. Among males, the age groups 16 to 20, 21 to 25, and over 65 had more crash fatalities than other age. We already have limitations in place for the younger age groups, why not those over 65? It's about keeping others safe right? If I was in the younger age demographic I would say "I'll start worrying about keeping them safe when they start worrying about keeping me safe".

[Velvet]

We've had 545,040 positive cases of Covid-19 in Florida, I wonder how many religiously wore a mask? That would be a great follow up I would love to see. And with 8,765 deaths in Florida, the 55+ group account for 93% of them. If you can't understand why those under 55 don't feel at risk then you're delusional. The death rate for those in the age group 25-34 is 0.0005. And that's just from the REPORTED positives. You're right, they're more likely to die from an old person in a car crash. If I was in that age group I'd say I'll wear a mask when you start road testing every person over 65 every year. Among females, the over-65 age group had the highest number of fatalities followed by the 16-to-20 age group. Among males, the age groups 16 to 20, 21 to 25, and over 65 had more crash fatalities than other age. We already have limitations in place for the younger age groups, why not those over 65? It's about keeping others safe right? If I was in the younger age demographic I would say "I'll start worrying about keeping them safe when they start worrying about keeping me safe".

So, do I understand this correctly? Because women over 65 are dangerous drivers, it’s okay to kill older people with Covid?

[Two Bills]

So, do I understand this correctly? Because women over 65 are dangerous drivers, it’s okay to kill older people with Covid?

Only if they wear a mask!

[jimjamuser]

So, lets get this into perspective. Before this pandemic, if someone wore a mask into a business, especially a law enforcement agency, what would have happened???? Yes, I am sure you know the answer. Now, add to that AntiFa that hates and kills law enforcement and are a constant threat. How do you tell if they are coming into the police station to request assistance or coming in to kill COPs? You can't. Why do you feel that an officer should not take the same precautions as you do to survive during this time? You want to defund the police, AND have them do the same job, only with their hands tied behind their backs.
SHAME ON YOU ALL!

Just a little story about how dangerous their job is. This is a true story about a guy that I fought with in Vietnam. He was one of the only 9 or so guys on a hill that did not get wounded or killed in one particularly bad fire fight over there. He returned home later ('70s) and went into law enforcement. NYC police to be more precise. His partner and he was patrolling the streets on foot patrol when three men walked past them. It does not matter that they were black, but I am throwing it in for detail. After they walked past them, they turned around and pulled guns and emptied them into the two police officers, killing them. The guy that I served with, made it all the way home safely, only to be gunned down with nine bullets in the back by his own fellow Americans. You may have seen the movie they made related to it back in the 70's.

The Police have a very hard job and they are underpaid. Just because you all are scared and hide under your beds because of the boogieman called COVID19 does not mean there are other dangers in this world. If you can't take your mask off to enter a police station and stand six feet away from the person you are speaking with, then you probably don't need to be there.

It makes one wonder how folks can leave their homes, considering all the dangers in the world.

I applaud the leadership of this man that wishes to protect his men and women in uniform. The chances of anyone catching and then the chances of dying from it is so low, especially for those that are supposed to be healthy and protecting us. I do not see why you can't take care of most of what you need from an officer on the phone anyway.

It's not just about you. We have folks out there putting their lives on the line every day, and catching a virus is the least of their problems when they have folks micro managing them at their every turn, and others that want only to kill them.
Truely sorry to hear the sad story about your friend. I hate to make this comment - but, do NOT police and firefighters earn extra pay for danger pay? And they normally and deservedly earn GOOD retirements, some after 20 years? So when they CHOSE to become these public servants, they are certainly aware that they are CHOSING that particular balance of risks and rewards. What am I missing? And many of the Vietnam era fighters were drafted. So they did NOT get to CHOSE. Their deaths are VASTLY sadder in my opinion. I especially RESPECT any that volunteered to go over there!

[dwhite5773]

Makes perfect sense for their safetey. Don't like it? Don't go there.
So unfortunately it’s not just to the HQ or substations, it’s also officers responding to calls. This is a sad political move on this sheriffs part. It will come back to haunt him, seeing that Marion County is recording some very high numbers for Florida. Officer safety appears to not bea priority to this leader! Unfortunate!! And usually if your going to the HQ or sub there IS A REASON! Really!

[ctmurray]

Masks Are Neither Effective Nor Safe: A Summary Of The Science (https://www.technocracy.news/masks-are-neither-effective-nor-safe-a-summary-of-the-science/?fbclid=IwAR076FOXl7aDzfJahM7AbhRJ3JZB1Z1XwTUdf3V_ Sjc9fBsME0l9nboNzM8)

Here is a meta study from a reputable scientific journal.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31142-9/fulltext#%20

[Finchs]

It sure would be nice if reporters covered stories by telling you WHY, not just WHAT! This ************* report didn't bother to give the sheriff's rationale, they just print the seeming absurdity and leave us all guessing.
I did see way down into the bottom of the report that the sheriff felt the officer's vocal communications could be misunderstood due to the mask covering their mouths--and that could be a lethal problem, if a subject didn't comply with a command.
And with the threat facing our men in blue right now, giving a potential terrorist the advantage of anonymity when walking into the station could possibly be a danger to the personnel in the building.
All this leaves us in the partial dark as to what is going on there--too bad journalists can't do a better job of reporting.

[Velvet]

Here is a meta study from a reputable scientific journal.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31142-9/fulltext#%20

What are you doing posting from a respected and peer-reviewed journal to counter a source intent on manipulation of facts by cherry picking data for their conclusions?

[Heyitsrick]

What are you doing posting from a respected and peer-reviewed journal to counter a source intent on manipulation of facts by cherry picking data for their conclusions?

You mean this peer-reviewed/respected journal?

The Lancet casts doubt over hydroxychloroquine study it published (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-lancet-casts-doubt-over-hydroxychloroquine-study/ar-BB14YrnQ)

Sorry - couldn't resist. Nobody's perfect.

[Velvet]

Only God is perfect, but this journal is the internationally respected, quoted academic source.

[canyonblue]

So, do I understand this correctly? Because women over 65 are dangerous drivers, it’s okay to kill older people with Covid?

No, the point is that all I hear is that we should wear a mask, not for ourselves, but to protect those around us. Someone earlier made a comment about getting hit by a wrong way driver in a roundabout and my post expanded on that, to show that a younger person who may not wear a mask due to their slim chance of dying from Covid may in fact die from an elderly driver. And the fact that many of those complaining about a young non mask wearer possibly killing them shows the irony.

[ts12755]

Sheriff Woods is a good man of integrity and knows what he's doing. You stay home and isolate if you live in fear. We are going to live our lives.

[ts12755]

you should isolate at home unless it's an emergency that you have to get out and then you should wear a mask. Covid is a passing virus that will be gone soon. The faster everybody gets it the quicker it will be gone

[CFrance]

Sheriff Woods is a good man of integrity and knows what he's doing. You stay home and isolate if you live in fear. We are going to live our lives.
Well, please don't live it around me. I feel I have more of a right to be protected than you do not to.

[jimjamuser]

you should isolate at home unless it's an emergency that you have to get out and then you should wear a mask. Covid is a passing virus that will be gone soon. The faster everybody gets it the quicker it will be gone
It is a contradiction to be both for mask wearing and herd immunity. Strange?

[speedo8357]

Wow, glad to hear that the sheriff has some common sense and doesn’t want to have all his employees looking like paranoid idiots. He realizes that none of these makeshift masks can stop a virus. Good for him. I don’t live in that county but I think I’ll call there and congratulate him for having some common sense!

And also a brave voice of reason. A particle of an influenza type illness (of which Covid is) is many times smaller than the weave of a non-medical grade mask. The virus will be transmitted whether or not a mask is worn. Thankfully the majority of cases have little or no symptoms.

[loweglor]

So you know for a fact that COVID will pass quickly. What crystal ball did you use?

[Velvet]

Sheriff Woods is a good man of integrity and knows what he's doing. You stay home and isolate if you live in fear. We are going to live our lives.

I believe the Sheriff Woods is a good man, I believe that he had integrity but I do not believe that he knows much about Covid... he may believe it is not a problem, but most people believed the earth was flat long ago. Belief doesn’t make it so. Can’t have a person who puts others in danger in a position of authority.

[Taltarzac725]

Well said.

He needs to think this one out more.

I believe the Sheriff Woods is a good man, I believe that he had integrity but I do not believe that he knows much about Covid... he may believe it is not a problem, but most people believed the earth was flat long ago. Belief doesn’t make it so. Can’t have a person who puts others in danger in a position of authority.

[NoMoSno]

Some more insight:
Florida sheriff bans deputies and visitors from wearing face masks - CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-sheriff-billy-woods-bands-deputies-wearing-face-masks-marion-county/)

[Stu from NYC]

you should isolate at home unless it's an emergency that you have to get out and then you should wear a mask. Covid is a passing virus that will be gone soon. The faster everybody gets it the quicker it will be gone

So you think we should all get the virus? OK by you if a few million more die from getting it?

[dwhite5773]

This won’t be happening in Sheriff Billy’s “Kingdom!”

Slow down, stop the spread: Florida police issue masks instead of speeding tickets (https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/08/13/flagler-beach-police-announce-masks-for-motorists-safety-campaign/)

[coffeebean]

Sheriff Woods is a good man of integrity and knows what he's doing. You stay home and isolate if you live in fear. We are going to live our lives.

Sheriff Billy Bob has made us all look like ignorant rednecks here in Florida.

[loweglor]

Just because he isn't worried about his people getting the virus, what gives him the right to force anyone to take off their mask. As the Sheriff, he should be concerned about the safety of the community based on facts supplied by medical experts. There is more than enough evidence that the virus is deadly. He should be setting an example for common sense not acting like a dictator.

[rmd2]

No I don’t agree but he did put a lot of exceptions to his no mask, like except when around the elderly, except when you have to engage someone up close, except when you feel the did, and so on. He has also mandated that they have to have a mask on their person at all times when on duty. So now it is up to the duties to control when they feel the need to mask up. Again don’t agree it has been proven over and over again constant close contact with individuals as how the virus spreads so when you’re in an office you were in close contact so I’m not quite sure how this is going to play for him.

Not well! This is all over the national news!

[rmd2]

It sure would be nice if reporters covered stories by telling you WHY, not just WHAT! This ************* report didn't bother to give the sheriff's rationale, they just print the seeming absurdity and leave us all guessing.
I did see way down into the bottom of the report that the sheriff felt the officer's vocal communications could be misunderstood due to the mask covering their mouths--and that could be a lethal problem, if a subject didn't comply with a command.
And with the threat facing our men in blue right now, giving a potential terrorist the advantage of anonymity when walking into the station could possibly be a danger to the personnel in the building.
All this leaves us in the partial dark as to what is going on there--too bad journalists can't do a better job of reporting.

The sheriff's statement was - I have thought about this issue over several months and have decided that masks are not needed. Therefore, effective immediately we will not be using masks. This issue is not up for discussion.

[Dana1963]

Ignorance he lives in a bubble

[Nucky]

Did the Boss Man take a Sample out if the Property Room on the day he passed this decision? Sniff, Sniff!

What a Clown!

He's going to wear a Mask at his next job-making Sandwiches at Wawa.

[Stu from NYC]

Did the Boss Man take a Sample out if the Property Room on the day he passed this decision? Sniff, Sniff!

What a Clown!

He's going to wear a Mask at his next job-making Sandwiches at Wawa.

Some people think they know it all. Unfortunately this may cause some lives to be lost.

[THUNDERCHIEF]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Woods In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.
He lacks good judgement, and does not care about his employees. Maybe a little short on Brains also.

[Velvet]

People walking into a building mask-less are similar to people walking in pointing a loaded gun... to vulnerable individuals.

[Byte1]

Truely sorry to hear the sad story about your friend. I hate to make this comment - but, do NOT police and firefighters earn extra pay for danger pay? And they normally and deservedly earn GOOD retirements, some after 20 years? So when they CHOSE to become these public servants, they are certainly aware that they are CHOSING that particular balance of risks and rewards. What am I missing? And many of the Vietnam era fighters were drafted. So they did NOT get to CHOSE. Their deaths are VASTLY sadder in my opinion. I especially RESPECT any that volunteered to go over there!

NO, they do not receive EXTRA pay for DANGER PAY. Where did you hear that? They may receive over-time pay when they work over 40 hrs per week, just like everyone else, but do not receive "danger pay." And police officers are not well paid either. Yes, like other county, state or federal gov employees, they do receive a retirement pension.
What in the world does "drafted" have to do with anything? Never mind, some folks will argue and attempt to rationalize anything, so it is difficult to explain law enforcement work to those that don't have a clue as to the sacrifices they make.

I know of cities that before this pandemic, had laws banning masks in businesses. They knew that a mask could indicate a dangerous robbery about to occur. Just because hysterical nellies run amok in panic over what other folks don't do like wearing a mask, does not mean that other folks should cater to "sky is falling" folks that instead of staying home to stay safe, insist that everyone else conform to their reasoning about how stay safe.

I applaud the sheriff :clap2: that is trying to keep his officers safe from criminals.

[Byte1]

People walking into a building mask-less are similar to people walking in pointing a loaded gun... to vulnerable individuals.

Not really. Not even close. Over 99% of the people going about their business are NOT infected. That means that close to 100% of the folks entering a building without a mask are safe. 100% of persons carrying a gun into a building are potentially dangerous if they have any ill intent.

[Byte1]

With all the comments on here chastising the sheriff, it would seem that many do a lot of business at the police station. Most interaction with the police is either done in public out in the open or over the phone....NOT in the station house. A lot of hysterical screaming for nothing. I totally agree with the sheriff regarding mask wearing inside the building. If you stay 6 feet away when interacting with the officer, IF you really need to be inside a police station, then you are going to be safe enough.

[Velvet]

If a person goes inside a public place mask-less and is aware that Covid can kill, and that asymptotic people can also infect others, then they ARE malicious in their behavior. If they are ignorant of all the above, then they are just stupid. Whichever case is true for the Sheriff, he should not be in charge.

[Byte1]

Like I said, how many frequent the police station? Just because YOU think that wearing a mask is going to save you from the virus, does not mean others agree. You have your opinion and they have theirs. If you do not like his policy of not wearing a mask, then stay home. I also say that to shoppers. If the store does not have a sign mandating mask wearing, then stay home if you don't like it. You aren't going to catch it from walking past a person that may or may not have it. You are not going to get it if you have a mask and he doesn't when you walk past him. Quit crying about it and demanding others conform to your wishes. This is still a free country, at least until Nov.

“Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom of want, freedom from fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

You know what goes great with the Corona virus? Lime disease......:MOJE_whot:

[Velvet]

Like I said, how many frequent the police station? Just because YOU think that wearing a mask is going to save you from the virus, does not mean others agree. You have your opinion and they have theirs. If you do not like his policy of not wearing a mask, then stay home. I also say that to shoppers. If the store does not have a sign mandating mask wearing, then stay home if you don't like it. You aren't going to catch it from walking past a person that may or may not have it. You are not going to get it if you have a mask and he doesn't when you walk past him. Quit crying about it and demanding others conform to your wishes. This is still a free country, at least until Nov.

“Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom of want, freedom from fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

You know what goes great with the Corona virus? Lime disease......:MOJE_whot:

Science is not a matter of opinion. So if one doesn’t believe in gravity let them jump out of a 20 story window.... see how much their “opinion” or “freedom” is worth.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

With all the comments on here chastising the sheriff, it would seem that many do a lot of business at the police station. Most interaction with the police is either done in public out in the open or over the phone....NOT in the station house. A lot of hysterical screaming for nothing. I totally agree with the sheriff regarding mask wearing inside the building. If you stay 6 feet away when interacting with the officer, IF you really need to be inside a police station, then you are going to be safe enough.

There is no way to know that you will be 6 feet away from whoever comes in after you. Or that the person ahead of you won't choose to get up close and personal on their way out.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Like I said, how many frequent the police station? Just because YOU think that wearing a mask is going to save you from the virus, does not mean others agree. You have your opinion and they have theirs. If you do not like his policy of not wearing a mask, then stay home. I also say that to shoppers. If the store does not have a sign mandating mask wearing, then stay home if you don't like it. You aren't going to catch it from walking past a person that may or may not have it. You are not going to get it if you have a mask and he doesn't when you walk past him. Quit crying about it and demanding others conform to your wishes. This is still a free country, at least until Nov.

“Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom of want, freedom from fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

You know what goes great with the Corona virus? Lime disease......:MOJE_whot:

If I have that freedom you're going on about in this post, why am I not ALLOWED to wear a mask inside the police station? Why am I forbidden to walk in without the mask, then after they've seen my face and can identify myself, put the mask on?

So much for those freedoms - they only apply if they convenience you, personally.

[GoPacers]

Here is a meta study from a reputable scientific journal.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31142-9/fulltext#%20

Now you're quoting a peer reviewed journal - something that many people on here have no clue what that actually is. They'd rather post articles from Technocracy - which has been proven repeatedly to be propagating quackery. But hey, it fits their uninformed narrative so it must be true:icon_wink:

[Clarkee]

No Mask order. Sheriff Billy Woods In Marion County has issued a NO MASK order for all employees of the sheriff’s department and if you or I enter any of their offices you will be ordered to remove your mask. Please email or flood the sheriff with calls objecting to this. He is an elected official and should have our health and safety first before his own personal beliefs.

I would like to hear from people who called the Sheriff's office to find out what the. I am a strong supporter of Law Enforcement personnel, both uniform and civilian. This policy puts the workers in danger. It is medically wrong and morally wrong.

[Carlsondm]

Just wear a clear face shield. You can make them with sheet plastic.

[Byte1]

If I have that freedom you're going on about in this post, why am I not ALLOWED to wear a mask inside the police station? Why am I forbidden to walk in without the mask, then after they've seen my face and can identify myself, put the mask on?

So much for those freedoms - they only apply if they convenience you, personally.

What's that got to do with "freedom?" I never said that I have the freedom NOT to wear a mask into a store that has a sign mandating a mask, so how can you suggest that wearing a mask into a police station is your freedom? Before this happened, if you wore a mask into a store you could get pounced on by someone thinking you were going to rob it. Anyone with common sense can see why a police station would not want a mask wearing person to enter their building, especially with the mask wearing anarchists AntiFa killing people.

[Byte1]

There is no way to know that you will be 6 feet away from whoever comes in after you. Or that the person ahead of you won't choose to get up close and personal on their way out.

Since you say you believe in science then you understand that they are telling us that you can't get the virus just from walking past someone without a mask. They are telling us that one would have to stand in close quarters with an infected person for an extended period while conversing with them.
Maybe we should wear masks while speaking on the phone and gloves while on the computer so that we won't catch the virus?

[John41]

Because there is a war on cops these days. You think the rioters and looters are wearing masks to protect them from covid? No, they are wearing them to hide their identity. People walking into a law enforcement building with a mask on present a threat.

I think you are right on the money.

[Boomer]

Has it occurred to any of you YAYsayers — who are so hellbent on cheering for this asinine edict — that by issuing this statement, now heard far and wide, the sheriff has granted tacit permission to all anti-maskers in the area to be even more brazen in their transparent rebellion?

(Wow, Boomer, that sure was a long sentence you just wrote there. Fired up this morning?)

Therefore, I am asking Villagers in support of the now high profile, local sheriff, to think through what you are saying. Ask yourselves if workers come to TV from Ocala. (If you are actually in TV at this time and running with the pack of YAYsayers — this could be about your own risk.)

And, NO, I am not paranoid.

The country has been drafted into battle against an invisible enemy.

But, as warriors, we have been issued only limited weaponry.

But, hey, we do not have to equip ourselves at all with even this limited weaponry if we don’t feeeeel like it. In fact, the loudest in our ranks shout some kind of pseudo-patriotism and are encouraged to do so. What kind of battle plan is that?

Ironically, the encouragement of going into battle completely unarmed often comes from those who are in a position to insulate themselves from the war — you know — kind of like draft dodgers — remember those?

You all know the drill: Wear a mask when in public. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. It’s all we’ve got.

Boomer

[coffeebean]

There is no way to know that you will be 6 feet away from whoever comes in after you. Or that the person ahead of you won't choose to get up close and personal on their way out.

So true.....so VERY true. Honestly, I believe some people aren't aware there is a virus out there. I also believe these same people have no clue how to judge a 6 foot distance.

[Byte1]

The sky is falling and some folks just don't seem to care. Oh my!

[Velvet]

Since you say you believe in science then you understand that they are telling us that you can't get the virus just from walking past someone without a mask. They are telling us that one would have to stand in close quarters with an infected person for an extended period while conversing with them.
Maybe we should wear masks while speaking on the phone and gloves while on the computer so that we won't catch the virus?

Probabilities... the concentration of the virus makes it much likelier to catch, indoors, much more likely but you already know that I bet. Perfectly healthy looking people can be carriers.

We are at war with this disease.
You know in war what a person who endangers their own countrymen, called?

[Byte1]

Probabilities... the concentration of the virus makes it much likelier to catch, indoors, much more likely but you already know that I bet. Perfectly healthy looking people can be carriers.

We are at war with this disease.
You know in war what a person who endangers their own countrymen, called?

I probably know more about "war" than most on here, so yes. But, we are not at war with a virus and war time laws do not pertain. Plus, just because some hysterical Nellies run amok shouting that the end is near or the sky is falling, does not mean that the rest us us need to succumb to mass hysteria. Some folks on here act like there has never been a pandemic before. If they are as old as they should be if they live in The Villages, then they have lived through several pandemics and probably don't even remember.

Saying "we are a war with the pandemic" is just a saying or theme, not a declaration of war. But, I guess some that have never had the privilege of serving their country on the battle field like to fantasize that they are fighting a war, while safely tucked in at home.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I probably know more about "war" than most on here, so yes. But, we are not at war with a virus and war time laws do not pertain. Plus, just because some hysterical Nellies run amok shouting that the end is near or the sky is falling, does not mean that the rest us us need to succumb to mass hysteria. Some folks on here act like there has never been a pandemic before. If they are as old as they should be if they live in The Villages, then they have lived through several pandemics and probably don't even remember.

Saying "we are a war with the pandemic" is just a saying or theme, not a declaration of war. But, I guess some that have never had the privilege of serving their country on the battle field like to fantasize that they are fighting a war, while safely tucked in at home.

There's a difference between "I don't want to wear a mask" and "You don't have to wear a mask if you don't want to" ...

and "you're not ALLOWED to wear a mask."

In Marion County, they've opted to eliminate your freedom to wear a mask.

So much for "mah freedumz."

[Byte1]

There's a difference between "I don't want to wear a mask" and "You don't have to wear a mask if you don't want to" ...

and "you're not ALLOWED to wear a mask."

In Marion County, they've opted to eliminate your freedom to wear a mask.

So much for "mah freedumz."

Not true. No one has "eliminated your freedom to wear a mask." There is no law that mandates that you enter a police station. I can understand why you would not understand how dangerous it is to be a police officer. A police officer hardly ever knows ahead of time that someone is going to produce a firearm and fire on him. I can understand the idea of the Sheriff allowing the "option" of his men wearing a mask inside the station, if he would. But, I would NEVER allow anyone walking through the entrance to wear a mask. In many cases, a police officer can see or interpret nefarious intentions of subjects by facial expressions and body movements.

Like I said before, if you do not wish to be around people that are mask-less, then use your freedom and do not put yourself in the vicinity. No one is forcing you to be around people that you fear.

[theruizs]

It’s like we stepped back in time before 1975 or something. Our law enforcement offices are so ill-equiped to handle security that they have to disallow these masks? I worked for a Holiday Inn doing the night audit and watching the front desk in 1975. We had a 2 door system. Someone came in the first set of doors and rang a buzzer. We could then check out who it was before buzzing them in. Now we also have metal detectors, body scanners, etc. You are telling me that none of this has been implemented in LE offices? Well, maybe it’s time it has. Because wether someone is wearing a mask or not is pretty shabby security and really does nothing of real value to secure the place or people inside. All it really does is trade people’s health for a pittance of security.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yeah I don't get the weak-willed, lily-livered, limp-minded response to mask wearing either. I mean what kind of "man" are you, if you're afraid that some old lady coming in to report her car keys stolen from next door, might be coming into the police station to shoot people? Or the random drug addict who comes in to complain that his drug dealer mugged him (it's happened). I mean it's not like these police stations have no windows. Sheesh. Let the person come to the door, you see his face, the camera records his face, and then he has to put his mask on if he wants to come inside. This ain't rocket science.

[xcaligirl]

What is wrong with this man?
Our exact thought except a few more words added!!! I am not a huge fan of a mask however I wear it every time I go into a public place or if I will be closer to people than 6'. I always carry one or two with me in case it is needed. If it does protect me and other people, I will forever wear one!! I want this virus gone just as much as anyone else. I don't even know what he's thinking or WHY!!! What a disrespectful person!!

[xcaligirl]

Living in Marion Co, if there is a need for an officer, I guess I just 'don't go there'????? So does one just take matters in their own hands??? Doesn't make sense to me!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I hope that if the sheriff's office has a medical emergency, the ambulance driver will refuse to enter the building. Why would he refuse? Because the sheriff has decreed that visitors aren't allowed to wear masks, and the ambulance driver is not allowed in without one.

[thelegges]

Don’t live in Marion, but there is no mandate in Florida that you must wear a mask. Business can have a policy that requires you to wear a mask.

There are people seeking out those not wearing a mask, taking out a mask and telling them to put it on. And yes this happens in TV. To me that just a creepy old guy that Should not be out on their own.

Until Florida mandates Masks, the stress over who does or doesn’t takes a toll on one’s mental health.

Do you also worry about the vaccine, what if one never comes, or is as effective as the flu vaccine that thousands still die from the flu.

I still have my closest family working in medical facilities every day, and they are not as stressed, as most who may never come close to a person with the virus or the flu.