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Town of Davidson decides against mask mandate

DAVIDSON, N.C. — Davidson leaders are encouraging businesses to put up signs indicating if face coverings are required for employees and customers, but leaders are not mandating masks in town limits.

The decision was made during a town meeting Tuesday night.

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"I think you are going to be surprised at the number of shop owners that have their employees wearing masks," Mayor Rusty Knox said. "I think you are going to be surprised at the number of individuals that are wearing masks."

Whether someone is wearing a mask will be up to individual employer and customer. Leaders made it clear they were never considering a requirement for face coverings outdoors such as in parks or on greenways.

Commissioner Matthew Fort expressed some disappointment that leaders didn't require employers to mandate masks.

"People are going to be going out, and people are going to be utilizing these businesses," Fort said. "I think it is going to be our best shot at taking a very no pun intended surgical approach to making sure we stop the spread of the disease."

A major concern was enforcement. Police Chief Penny Dunn said getting compliance may be tough.

"We're dealing with a public that is fatigued and stressed of being under these restrictions," she said.

Enforcement is on several reasons why Mecklenburg County isn’t mandating masks. During the county commission meeting Tuesday night, Health Director Gibbie Harris went over the challenges with a face covering requirement.

"One of those has to do with availability of masks. A second is enforcement of that," she said. "A third is there are individuals who are challenged to wear masks because of medical reasons. A fourth is individuals who are challenged with wearing masks due to mental health issues, so we have to consider all of those issues as we think about whether we require masks or not."

All signs are pointing to the state entering phase two of reopening on Friday. When indoor dining returns to restaurants, masks will be recommended but not required for businesses.

In Davidson, leaders hope workers and customers will cover up.

Davidson leaders also decided they will enter phase two when Gov. Roy Cooper orders it.