/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/madsack/R2YQ2P5AGVC5BMWR7FLXJYDWMQ.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1)
Wearing a mask is still recommended by the authorities in Ocala, a city in the state of Florida, but a mask requirement is currently being discussed. Now the police chief of the Marion district has banned his employees and the guests of the police station from wearing a mask. That reported the US news site “Click Orlando”.
“Everyone who enters this building must take off his mask” is now written at the entrance to the Marion District Police Station. In an email, boss Billy Woods wrote to his staff: “If you are on duty and represent my office, you are not allowed to wear a mask.” The rule does not apply in leisure time.
There are exceptions in certain situations
Continue reading after the ad
—
But for visitors. The reason for this is that everyone can be identified immediately. “In view of recent events and the hatred that police officers are facing, this step is important to ensure clear communication,” wrote Woods, obviously referring to the protests against racism and police violence.
The police chief took a few exceptions into account in his announcement. Anyone who works in prison, in public schools, in hospitals or with people suspected of having been infected with the coronavirus is allowed to wear a mask. Employees in risk groups are also exempt from the ban.
There are equally many arguments for both sides
If one of the employees is asked why he is not wearing a mask, the regulation should be pointed out in a friendly manner. “From then on it is my responsibility and I will take care of these people and answer their questions,” the sheriff wrote to his subordinates.
“I can hear the moaning,” Woods is said to have written in his email, “but only so that you know: I didn’t make the decision easy for myself.” One can discuss it for hours, the fact is that there are equally many arguments for both sides.
Marion district only set a new record on Tuesday
So Woods ended his email with the words: “The subject is no longer up for debate. Please note that the situation can change constantly due to the pandemic. However, my instructions must be followed. “
Florida is particularly hard hit by the pandemic. In total, the state has 557,137 corona infections and almost 9,000 deaths. The Marion district only set a new record on Tuesday: In one day, 13 new deaths related to Covid-19 were registered.
–
