Davidson, Matthews vote to follow Meck County’s indoor mask mandate

DAVIDSON, N.C. — Earlier this week, Mecklenburg County and the city of Charlotte moved forward with new mask mandates for residents in all indoor public spaces, but the county’s order included a provision requiring all other towns within the county to get on board and make their own mandates as well.

Those towns have until Aug. 31 to set the parameters.

On Thursday, the towns of Davidson and Matthews voted to follow that indoor mask mandate. The decision was made due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and positivity rate in their communities.

The Davidson Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of an interim indoor mask mandate, effective immediately.

“It’s always been our priority to protect the health and safety of the Davidson community. Even though we are fortunate that Davidson has one of the lowest infection rates in Mecklenburg County and one of the highest vaccination rates, we know that masking helps to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we see no reason to delay implementing measures that Mecklenburg County Public Health feel are necessary to best protect the entire county,” said Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox.

Matthews town commissioners voted 5-2 to follow the county’s mask mandate, effective Friday at 5 p.m.

“Immediate action is needed to slow the spread of Covid-19 in our community,” said Mayor John Higdon. “One of the most important things we can do now is wear a mask to protect ourselves and the people around us – particularly the most vulnerable among us and children under the age of 12 who are not eligible to receive the vaccine. Vaccinations remain critically important in fighting this virus, and I encourage everyone to get the vaccine.”

The mandates for both towns will be in effect until Sept. 1 or unless sooner rescinded.

Masks are required inside restaurants, bars, grocery stores and all government buildings. Businesses can call 911 and report anyone who refuses to wear one, and offenders can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Residents are allowed to remove masks if they are eating or drinking, communicating with anyone who is hearing impaired or if they are speaking to an audience who is at least 20 feet away.

You can also remove your mask at work if it falls under any workplace safety guidelines.

There are some exemptions to the mandate, as well.

Children under the age of 5 do not have to wear masks and anyone with a mental or behavioral health condition or disability can also go without a mask.

If you are unable to put your mask on or take it off without assistance, you also do not need to wear one.

(Watch Below: Mecklenburg leaders vote to implement countywide indoor mask mandate in 10 days)

Mecklenburg leaders vote to implement countywide indoor mask mandate in 10 days

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