Marshall County sheriff talks about enforcing mandatory mask orders
Credit: WAAY ABC Huntsville, AL
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Governor kay ivey says she is not imposing a state wide mandatory mask order at this time.
She says that's because it would be hard to enforce.
So - we asked one north alabama law enforcement agency about how or if they could enforce a mandatory masking order on the local level.
Waay 31's sophia borrelli shares what the marshall county sheriff had to say.
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Phil sims, marshall county sheriff: "i've thought about it, but i just don't see how we can enforce it."
Marshall county sheriff phil sims says as of right now - he would need some guidance on enforcement if a mandatory mask order was put in place.
Phil sims, marshall county sheriff: "if something like that does happen, i'll be reaching out to the attorney general's office for guidance."
He says it's different from enforcing other laws like speeding or loitering.
Phil sims, marshall county sheriff: "if you're loitering, then you are ordered a citation or brought to jail.
Those things are spelled out in state law.
There's no state law that i'm aware of and somebody can correct me, but i don't know of any state law that says that you have to wear a mask."
At the marshall county courthouse - people are asked to wear a face covering while they are in the building and the sheriff says they haven't had any issues with people not wearing one.
Phil sims, marshall county sheriff: "we just put signs out.
When people come in, we educate them on why.
Here's your mask, please wear it and we haven't had one problem."
Sophia looklive: "right now in marshall county, there is not a mandatory masking ordinance, but the sheriff does encourage people to wear a mask for their safety."
Phil sims, marshall county sheriff: "our numbers are rising, not just here, but all over the state.
I would encourage you to wear your mask and practice your social distancing of 6 feet."
In guntersville - sophia borrelli waay 31 news.
Waay 31 also reached back out to the marshall county commission chairman today about a mandatory mask order for the county.
He says he will leave that decision up to the governor.
Waay 31 also reached back out to the marshall county commission chairman today about a mandatory mask order for the county.
He says