With fall leaf season approaching, Blowing Rock implements mask mandate

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Starting Friday, the town of Blowing Rock will require anyone inside businesses and restaurants to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

Masks are not required for children 2 years old or younger. For more details, including other exemptions and potential penalties, read the Town of Blowing Rock’s State of Emergency Declaration.

The neighboring town of Boone has already implemented its own mask mandate.

The decision comes only weeks ahead of the busiest time of the year in Blowing Rock -- fall leaf viewing season.

Reporter Dave Faherty spent the day in Watauga County and spoke with town leaders who said they’re trying to keep visitors and residents safe amidst the surge in COVID-19 cases.

During the fall leaf season, as many as 30,000 visitors come to Blowing Rock on the weekends.

In downtown on Thursday, Channel 9 spotted several people wearing masks. Town leaders held an emergency meeting this week and decided to re-institute a mask mandate.

Those requirements go into effect Aug. 27 at 5 p.m.

There will be a two-week grace period where violators will not be cited but educated by police about the benefits of wearing a mask during the pandemic.

Businesses have been advised to put up signage informing customers that masks are again required indoors.

Last fall, the town did very well despite the pandemic, with so many people heading outdoors and staying closer to home.

The town is also offering employees $150 or three paid days off if they get vaccinated. That offer is good through Sept. 7.

What Blowing Rock is doing to help keep you safe:

• Extra sanitizing protocols at restaurants ensure diners’ safety, and staff wear masks.
• Take-out is still encouraged as a safe alternative, and is available from nearly all of our restaurants (hours subject to change).
• Hotels, inns, and rentals have increased sanitizing practices, staff wear masks, and many have implemented protocols that reduce contact between guests and others.
• Local shops are welcoming shoppers, many with with modifications inside the store to help with distancing, and implementing increased sanitizing practices and masked employees.
• Attractions and recreation providers have created additional safety measures relative to the activity. All are open and operational!
• Hand sanitizer stations are available at the downtown public information kiosks, and extra disposable masks are available at Town Hall if you forget your own.
• Many businesses have taken extra steps to become certified through the official NC COVID-19 safety program: Count on Me NC. Look for the Count on Me NC logo on business listings on this site to see which ones have completed the program.

What the town asks you to do to help:

• If anyone in your group has been feeling unwell or had flu-like symptoms in the past week, or have been advised to isolate due to a recent positive COVID-19 test, reschedule your trip.
• Bring a mask. Masks are required while indoors in any public space in Blowing Rock and Boone.
• In NC, face coverings are currently recommended for all people in public indoor settings.
• Individual employers & business owners outside of town limits, and other local governments may require face coverings.
• Masks are required on public transportation and in healthcare settings.
• Remember and practice the three Ws: WEAR a face mask where needed, WAIT 6 feet from others, and WASH your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
• Check ahead on protocols at planned attractions and recreation, so you know what to expect.
• Reserve your activities in advance to allow our accommodations, restaurants, and attractions to prepare for your visit.
• It’s also a good idea to call ahead to confirm services and/or operating hours at any business, both because status or employee availability may change due to COVID-19, and any changes in restrictions may lead to variations.
• Practice the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.
• With more visitors seeking respite and distance in our natural spaces, the impact to these places is growing. Plan ahead for your trip into nature, respect the wild, physically distance from others, and pack out all trash.
• Be kind!

(WATCH BELOW: Boone reinstates indoor mask mandate, mayor announces state of emergency)

Boone reinstates indoor mask mandate, mayor announces state of emergency

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