Orange County to require face coverings to reduce risk of coronavirus spread
Orange County will extend its COVID-19-related state of emergency through the end of August and require its residents to wear face coverings when leaving their homes, according to a county press release.
The face covering mandate will go into effect on Friday.
“We are taking this additional step based on the advice of our healthcare professionals who caution that the virus can be spread unknowingly by people who are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic,” Chapel Hill mayor Pam Hemminger said in a statement.
Face coverings will be required for anyone in an outdoor or indoor situation where someone cannot maintain a six-foot distance from others. Restaurant, retail and grocery employees and customers will be required to wear face coverings when indoors, as well as people on public transportation vehicles.
Face coverings are not required for:
▪ People whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering.
▪ Those who cannot wear a face covering because of a medical or behavioral condition.
▪ Children under 12 years old.
▪ Restaurant customers while they are dining.
▪ In private offices.
▪ When complying with directions of law enforcement officers.
▪ In settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering when obtaining or rendering goods or services.
▪ While with family or household members.
Orange County has recorded 408 cases of COVID-19, and 40 deaths, according to DHHS statistics.
“By covering your face when you are out in public, you are helping reduce the risk of infecting those around you,” Quintana Stewart, the county’s health director said in a statement. “Until there is a vaccine for COVID-19, face coverings are a part of our new normal. We know it will take some time to get used to, but it will help save lives.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 11:56 AM.
