Oconto County sheriff clarifies approach to mask mandate

Failure to wear a face covering is not enough to warrant deputies’ response, Skarban says
By: 
NEW Media Staff

Oconto County Sheriff Todd Skarban says his office supports individual actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but deputies will not be dispatched to respond to complaints if the only problem is that someone is not wearing a mask.

The sheriff issued a statement July 31 after Gov. Tony Evers declared that anyone age 5 or older must wear face coverings indoors or in enclosed spaces when non-family members are nearby.

As of Monday, Oconto County had recorded 183 positive tests for coronavirus and 5,618 negative tests, although the number of positives jumped by more than 120 since June 30. No deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in the county.

Skarban said his office supports such actions as social distancing, proper hand-washing and the use of hand sanitizers and protective personal equipment — including masks — as well as business owners’ efforts to protect their customers through safety barriers and disinfecting procedures.

“In order to provide some clarification, please be advised that at this time the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office will not be physically responding to or investigating complaints made solely on individuals violating the governor’s mask mandate,” Skarban said. “As sheriff, I must prioritize the use of our law enforcement resources. As a team, the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office and Oconto County Public Health Department’s goal is to achieve voluntary compliance while providing education, not punishment.”

Deputies will continue to respond to reports or complaints from business owners who have asked an individual to leave for failing to comply with the face-covering mandate, he added.

“While these types of calls for service will be rare, enforcement may be necessary because they are situations where a disturbance is likely to occur,” Skarban said. “Our focus would not be on the face-covering order itself, but rather the fact that the individual is not wanted in a particular place, or that the individual has been asked to leave and has not complied with the request of the person in control of that premise.”

Skarban asked people to do nothing about other people who are not wearing masks.

“Some people have medical conditions or circumstances that would make wearing a face covering difficult or dangerous,” he said. “Wear your own mask, and stay six feet away if you are concerned.”

The sheriff’s department encourages residents to follow the recommendations of the county Public Health Department and Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

“We recognize that COVID-19 is an unprecedented health concern, and we are all in this fight together,” Skarban said. “Be kind to one another and treat your community members the way you would like to be treated. As always, thank you for your continued support.”