The Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office issued their thoughts on Governor John Bel Edwards Proclamation 89-20, which included the closure of bars, crowd size limitations at indoor facilities, and the requirement for the wearing of facial covers at any commercial establishment and government buildings open to the public whether indoor or outdoor where strict social distancing cannot be maintained.
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies will only become involved if a customer refuses to leave a place of business after being requested to do so by management for failure to wear a face covering. The primary responsibility for compliance with the “mandatory mask requirement” is imposed upon businesses, organizations and government officials who manage facilities open to the public. These groups must require that persons entering their premises wear a face covering unless they fall under any of the exceptions listed in the order. Citations cannot be written to individual citizens as per the order itself.
According to the Governor’s Order, legal enforcement responsibility lies with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as well as the State Fire Marshal, and all complaints should be directed to those agencies. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office urges all citizens to respect the concerns and health of others, including the elderly. Some may not have the luxury of constantly being able to stay at home and must obtain groceries and other services. If not for yourself, please be considerate of them.