Alabama lieutenant governor opposes mandatory mask order

Alabama lieutenant governor says he's against mandatory mask order

In less than an hour - governor ivey's statewide mask order goes into effect.

But - the state's second in command says it's the wrong call.

Waay 31's max co-han spoke with the lieutenant governor today.

He explains why will ainsworth says the mandate is a step too far.

"i just don't think alabamians like or are going to respond well to a mandate, i think it's the wrong policy."

Lieutenant governor will ainsworth says he is all for masking, social distancing and sanitation -- but he says that the states new mask mandate doesn't make sense to him.

"i mean, do we want -- really -- our law enforcement to be a mask police.

I mean, come on.

I mean, they need to be out there putting criminals in jail.

"instead, ainsworth says an effort should be focused on educating people about public health as previously seen with campaigns against smoking and trying to prevent heart disease."

"we don't mandate these things that you can't eat a cheeseburger or fried food.

You know, we try to encourage people about exercising and eating habits and what you can do.

The same thing needs to be done here."

Ainsworth acknowledged that there are people in the state who think that the virus is hoax, but said education still trumps a mandate -- which he believes will see considerable push back.

He pointed out the health department's color-coded risk indicator map -- which tracks the risk of becoming infected with coronavirus in each of the states's 67 counties.

He says that tool - which looks at 4 factors related to virus spread - allows local governments to more closely monitor control their individual situation as needed.

Ainsworth says that's a better approach than the current one-size fits all mandate.

"i mean, right now, we've got counties in the state that are green -- which means there is little or no transmission going on.

But yet, because of this one size fits all mandate, you know, they're gonna be required to wear a mask and so i just think mandating it is the wrong option."

Ainsworth added that he believes the mandate sets a dangerous precedent -- and questions whether or not the vaccine will be mandated when it's available.

Reporting in huntsville, max cohan, waay 31 news.

The virus map the lt.

Governor mentioned is updated once a week.

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