Weld County Sheriff’s Office Asks Residents to Wear Masks in Stores

The Weld County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is clarifying its stance on Governor Polis' statewide mask mandate. 

The mandate, which Polis issued on July 17, requires all Coloradans ages 10 and older to wear a mask while in public indoor spaces.

WCSO responded to the mandate that same day, stating that the department would not issues citations to anyone violating the mandate, opting instead for voluntary compliance.

The department doubled down on that statement in a Facebook post on Wednesday (July 22), noting that because "an executive order is not the same thing as a law passed by the state legislature...we therefore don't think we have the authority to fine or arrest someone for not wearing a face mask."

However, the post reminded residents that Weld County businesses are required to either enforce the mandate or risk losing their licenses.

"We are asking residents, regardless of how they feel about wearing a face mask, to give their local businessowners a break and comply with the order when shopping in their stores," the post said. "It's not their fault the mask mandate was issued. Anyone who fights with a businessowner or an employee, refuses to leave a business when asked or in some other way causes an unlawful disturbance will be arrested."

The post also noted that carrying a concealed weapon does not negate the need to wear a mask when in a business.

Furthermore, Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams determined that WCSO officers will be complying with the mandate, and wearing face masks during interactions with the public.