Polk County Sheriff refuses to enforce extended 'stay at home' order

The question of when is it safe to reopen the economy continues to simmer in the United States and around the world.

In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers has decided to extend the 'safer at home' order another month, until May 26. The order was set to expire this Friday, April 24.

Gov. Evers extends Wisconsin 'safer at home' order until May 26

Tuesday, the Sheriff in Polk County made an announcement of his own on social media on why he believes the local business community can reopen safely. Sheriff Brent Waak said in the post, "I respect the constitutional rights and civil liberties of residents." 

Sheriff Waak said the state government has gone too far by continuing the mandatory order.

Governor Evers stated in a social media post, "No one wants to reopen the economy more than I do…but it will be more like turning a dial, than flipping a switch."

The Governor's order says if local policy conflicts, citizens must follow the statewide order, and it's enforceable.

Wisconsin Republicans sue governor over stay-at-home order

As of Tuesday, there were more than 4,600 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin, but in Polk County, there have been only 4.

Sheriff Waak said his office is working with the county health department and all complaints will be looked into, "we really want to assure citizens that we're not going to be heavy-handed, we're here to be a common-sense resource to keep the community healthy."