MADISON - Law enforcement officials are ready to enforce the measures in Madison County's directed health measure if it becomes necessary.

Madison County is under a directed health measure until May 6th, and it imposes an enforceable limit on public gatherings. Madison County Sheriff Todd Volk says residents have largely been adhering to the 10 person or less limit, but he says deputies will be ready to enforce the new rules if large gatherings start up.

"It is a classified misdemeanor, and we're asking people to follow it because we have to enforce it," Volk said. "If we do see a big group, first off we'll tell them to disperse, and then if we have to issue citations we're going to, my jail population is real low right now and I have room if people want to take it to that limit."

Sheriff Volk says the new measures have also helped to slightly decrease crime in the area, saying there's a greater spotlight on anyone who attempts to break the law now.

"Obviously there's not as many people moving around, and we're still watching those areas and doing all of the business checks like we normally do," Volk said. "I do think some of the domestic arguments are up a little bit, so we're asking everybody to just calm down, and we'll get through it."

Additional measures of the DHM require restaurants and bars in Madison County to close their dining areas and move to takeout service, delivery, or curbside service until further notice. The measure also applies to theaters, churches, gyms, salons, and social gatherings including weddings, funerals, concerts, and athletic events.