Several parish officials react to mask mandate

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Governor John Bel Edwards issued a mask mandate on Saturday, July 12, in an effort for the state to better combat the coronavirus pandemic. The governor’s announcement prompted reaction from officials across Evangeline Parish.
Sheriff Charles Guillory told the Rotary Club of Ville Platte, on Tuesday, “It is mandatory to wear your mask in public. My own take on that is if somebody doesn’t have a mask I’m not going to issue a citation because there’s no penalty. If anybody has an underlying condition, I will suggest that you wear one.”
Chataignier Chief of Police Clint Brasseaux said, “I just hope people try their best and realize, even though they may not be scared of the virus, it’s to keep our elderly, young, and people with underlining illnesses safe.”
He continued, “As for the police department, we will go back to responding only to emergencies. Anything else will be done over the phone or appointment if possible.”
Phil Cavins, the Mayor of Turkey Creek, stated, “We will not be following the order. My police department will not be enforcing it, so we will not be issuing citations for people not wearing a mask.”
“We’d like to encourage people to wear a mask to not spread the virus,” he continued, “but I don’t feel, as an elected official, I have the authority to mandate that.”
Turkey Creek Chief of Police Shawn Eckhart said, “In regard to enforcing the mask mandate by the governor, law enforcement officers here will not be issuing citations nor will they make unnecessary contact with an individual for not wearing a mask in public. This is a mandate, not a law. In announcing the mandate, Governor Edwards himself said it will not be enforceable by law enforcement agencies. This is subject to change, only if specific guidance, law, or ordinance has been properly introduced.”
Chief Eckhart went on to say, “If a local business has made the decision to refuse service to someone for not wearing a mask, and the subject has refused to leave the establishment, the customer could possibly face criminal charges of trespassing for refusing to leave the premises after being told to do so. If you are asked to leave, then do so to avoid this situation. Simply not wearing a mask in public does not violate any “law” and does not constitute law enforcement interaction. Police interaction requires a violation of a law or statute.”
Mamou Chief of Police Brent Zackery, Pine Prairie Mayor Quint West, Chataignier Mayor Justin Darbonne, Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac, and Evangeline Parish Police Jury President Ryan Williams did not make a comment.