‘We won’t test our way out of this': Meck leaders stop short of mandating masks

CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County is trying to increase the number of people tested for COVID-19 every day, leaders said during a Friday morning news conference.

As the cases statewide continue to rise, public health director Gibbie Harris did not announce a face-covering requirement, but instead pushed people to wear them -- and to get outside.

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

Harris also urged people to be cautious as things continue to reopen in the future.

Harris and County Manager Dena Diorio stopped short of saying they’ll mandate wearing masks, but both suggested they’re not happy with the trends they’re seeing across the county, labeling them “concerning.”

An average of 118 people have been hospitalized over the last week -- that’s an increase over the previous two weeks. And as far as testing goes, an average of 10.6% of people tested came back positive. Those are only tests done by the two major hospitals in the county, Atrium and Novant, but it is higher than the state and national averages.

Mobile tracking data shows that social distancing is decreasing in Mecklenburg County. Based on that data, Harris spoke about how important it is to wear masks in public, specifically in large gatherings like street protests.

Diorio said the county commission has asked for a recommendation about face masks by July 7.

>> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

Mask mandate for Queen City under consideration Mask mandate for Queen City under consideration

© 2020 Cox Media Group