Alabama Sheriff Says He Won't Enforce COVID-19 Restrictions

Sheriff Mark Moon of the Blount County (AL) Sheriff Office has declared that he will not enforce the "stay-at-home" restrictions imposed by Governor Kay Ivey.

According to WBMA-TV , Governor Ivey recently mandated statewide guidelines limiting public activities during the Coronavirus—COVID-19—pandemic.

Sheriff Mark Moon posted on social media that he has instructed his deputies to not take action against businesses or churches that violate state restrictions.

Sheriff Moon said, "It's just we have people in our county that are hurting that need to get back to work and support their families. I can’t in my heart of hearts punish somebody for trying to do what’s best for themselves their families and their congregations."

Blount County has about 58,000 residents northeast of Birmingham. It has at least 40 cases and no reported deaths of COVID-19.