Lamar County Sheriff Hal Allred on Sunday said his department will not enforce the State of Alabama’s current health order.
Governor Kay Ivey last week announced her “Safer-At-Home”order, which went into effect on Thursday, April 30, at 5:00 p.m. CT. That order continues to shutter in-person church services, as well as onsite dining and several other venues.
While the order is set to expire on May 15 at 5:00 p.m., a growing list of elected officials such as Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (R-AL) and State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy) have called on Ivey to immediately reopen more of the state and its economy immediately.
Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon over the weekend even took to social media to announce he had instructed his deputies not to enforce the order.
He was joined in this regard by Allred, who on Sunday publicly posted his thoughts on Facebook.
“I had to go into Walmart today to buy a gift,” Allred wrote. “It was completely packed. … This gradual reopening doesn’t make any sense. I have instructed your deputies not to enforce the guidelines that have been handed down. We are smart enough to use precautions. I refuse to tell y’all how to worship or make a living. This is my decision and mine alone.”
This post came after Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris earlier the same day appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” touting the “gradual first step” he and Ivey have taken reopening the state.
Allred was first elected in 2014 as a Democrat. He was reelected as a Republican in 2018.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.