In December 2019, the world was struck with a novel virus, coronavirus. Origins from Wuhan, China, the virus was spread to every part of the world at its fastest rate.
According to an article from the New England Journal of Medical, the U.S recorded its first case on January 19, 2020. Until now, current cases in the U.S have reached up to 5.2 million infections and 166,000 deaths.
Many countries are taking preventive action by urging their citizens to wear face masks in public areas. It is agreed by global health experts that wearing face masks can lower the spreading of the virus.
Even though wearing face masks is encouraged by health experts, a Florida Sheriff, Mr. Billy Woods bans the action to his officers. This order also implies to visitors before entering the lobby of the station. He bans wearing face masks as he said everyone needs to be identified when entering the station.
Sheriff Woods sent an email to his officers stating that they have to obey to the order when they are on duty and representing the office. He also stated that this order is being implemented for clear communication and identification purposes.
However, his order has some exemptions to officers working in jails, country courthouses, hospitals, or schools. It was reported that there were at least 36 jail employees tested positive and one death of a nurse working there.
The U.S President, Donald Trump had been opposing the wearing of face masks. Only recently he had a change of mind but maintained that wearing a face mask is not a mandatory in the U.S.