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A sheriff who refused to enforce COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in Arizona, United States has been infected with the novel coronavirus.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb announced that he is now positive for coronavirus via the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page earlier today, June 18.
“Unfortunately, as a law enforcement official and elected leader, we do not have the luxury of staying home. This line of work is inherently dangerous, and that is a risk we take when we sign up for the job,” he noted.
Lamb said he probably got infected after coming into contact with another person who had COVID-19 during a campaign event over the weekend. He is now under a 14-day self-quarantine.
The sheriff made headlines last month when he and Mohave County Sheriff Doug Schuster vowed that they are not going to arrest or penalize citizens who disobey Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order, as per the Associated Press on May 4.
The two said that they wanted to uphold the constitution and that the restrictions deprived the people of their freedom. They noted, however, that they are not encouraging people to break the governor’s health protocols.
“It’s unfortunate that we’re here but I need to make a stand for the people and for freedom,” Lamb was quoted as saying. “I don’t want to cite, fine or arrest fine people.”
Ducey’s quarantine order requires violators to pay a $2,500 fine and up to six months of jail time, according to the report. NVG
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