An Arizona sheriff who declared back in May that he wouldn’t enforce the state’s stay-at-home orders has tested positive for coronavirus.
Pinal County Sheriff Mike Lamb announced on Facebook that he tested positive after getting an invitation to visit President Trump at the White House. Visitors to the White House are required to undergo mandatory coronavirus tests.
“On Saturday, I held a campaign event, where it is likely I came into contact with an infected individual,” Lamb said, adding that he continued to be asymptomatic and would self-quarantine for two weeks. He also pointed out that as “a law enforcement official and elected leader,” he does “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 said. “Today, that risk is the COVID-19 virus.”
Arizona health authorities say that 1,582 people were hospitalized on Tuesday due to coronavirus, a new high in the state.
When Arizona first implemented its stay-at-home order, Lamb was one of multiple sheriffs who refused to enforce it, saying the order was a violation of the Constitution.
“I think people want to know that we’re going to support their constitutional rights,” he said. “I felt [Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey] pushed me into a position where I needed to make our stance clear.”
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