Face masks: Local mandate not happening in Cornelius
June 19. By Dave Vieser. Members of the Cornelius Town Board say they are not in favor of mandating the use of face masks as Mecklenburg County contemplates such a measure. The issue, which came up at the conclusion of their Thursday June 18 special meeting, will most likely be decided by the governor.
The city of Raleigh has mandated masks in public where social distancing is difficult or impossible.
But commissioners in Cornelius voiced “unanimous concern” over how to enforce a mandate for masks, said Mayor Woody Washam.
“How would the police take on this enforcement responsibility in addition to dealing with the current environment?” he said.
WASHAM
If the county adopts a mandatory regulation without the approval of the composite towns, it would only apply in unincorporated areas of the county.
Commissioner Pat Cotham said the county board doesn’t have the authority to mandate masks without all six towns agreeing.
COTHAM
“Many residents have told me they struggle with wearing masks for a variety of reasons,” Cotham said.
“I worry about people being shamed by others who might not understand why they choose not to wear a mask. I wear a mask when I am out. But if a mom is with her child who has a hearing problem and she is not wearing a mask, I trust her to do what is best for her family,” the county commissioner said.
A state regulation is a different story. Gov. Roy Cooper says the rising number of coronavirus is deeply concerning. He may require face masks next week when social distancing in public is difficult or impossible.
“If the governor requires masks for North Carolina, Cornelius will absolutely comply,” Washam said.
Whether a mandatory use regulation is adopted or not by either the state or the county, the town board continues to highly encourage the use of masks in any public place within the town.
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The mother with a hearing impaired child is the most ridiculous example of a “valid” reason for not wearing a mask. In this mythical example I assume the child is also not wearing a mask? And why could the mother not simply lower her mask if she needs to speak to her child while in public?
The FACT is that cases are rising around us.
My Mask Protects You, Your Mask Protects Me.
Let’s PROTECT each other!!
Well stated. I totally agree.
They better not try to mandate mask wearing! There will be an up-roar like you’ve never seen. Plus…… it is impossible to enforce, just like 99.9% of the governor’s orders.
Not a good decision. If bars and gyms cannot open does that not tell u that we need MASKS. We are wasting time by not using them. When I go into a store where they are not in use I will not go back.
We need MASKS.
Oh okay Trump. Are mask really that bad? I worked in the O.R. And wore a mask for 10 hours a day 5 days a week. You just get used to it. Such weak character.
Wait til they struggle breathing when they get the virus
Please reconsider. The more people wearing masks the better. Seatbelts are uncomfortable too. Get a a
Bsckbone!
It’s downright smart to wear a face mask with our numbers going up. I’m offended by those who choose not to. Get a Dr note if you can’t wear one. Stores shouldn’t allow people inside if they don’t wear a mask or have a note!
The Commissioners should SERIOUSLY reconsider their position. This is a major matter of public health, and the experts are clear that masks are a critical part of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. As noted in the comments above, the “reasons” given for this Board opposition are very weak, to say the least … absurd, to say more than the least. ALL of our town officials should be aggressive supporters of this measure – and do their part in making it work!
An addition to my prior comment: We, the citizens of Cornelius, should do our part too – both in our our behavior (wearing masks in public settings) AND in encouraging our elected representatives to back this important public health measure. Let me be simple and clear: Cornelius elected officials who do NO back this measure will NOT get my vote.
Masks are not necessary at all. I’m an essential worker, who has been working in people’s houses since the onset of all this a d I have yet to be exposed to anyone who has the virus. Most people are being responsible and watching their interactions with others, then you have the overtly paranoid who wear a mask in their houses. Give me a break, the governor was on tv at a BLM rally wearing no mask and definitely not social distancing himself. So stop telling us how we have to live our lives. Stop getting offended about every little thing and worry about yourself, not what others are doing a d not doing.
Look at the covid-19 numbers! Over 1600 more positive cases in 24 hours! This is serious! Look at the peninsula club! Closed bc numerous people tested positive! I have a friend who’s sister tested positive in another state last week and was wearing gloves and an n95 mask! Look at the big picture.
So you’ve just proven that masks are useless. People wearing masks and gloves are constantly face touching and not washing hands. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. That is what works, not a stupi mask.
What you do effects all the people around you. It’s respect for your fellow man. It’s been proven that wearing a mask reduces the transmission by 75%. Is that not worth a small sacrifice. It’s for the greater good!
Police have no problem enforcing other regulations. I don’t see why the can’t enforce mask use in public. Masks will save lives.
This is an EASY way to keep folks fairly safe. WHY NOT?
You are more worried about “shaming” than the health of our residents? That is totally irresponsible. These thoughts of not wearing masks with our numbers definitely rising means big health problems. What is the big deal with masks? Only when you are out. It IS like a seatbelt as another posted above. Keeps you safe even though it can be uncomfortable. What does the CDC say? How about Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birks? It comes down to thinking of others and not only about yourself. Wear the masks to help others. Simple.
Face masks save lives and all businesses and offices in Cornelius should require them. Our elected officials should lead the effort to mandate face masks. I am very disappointed that they have not.
I guess you can use The Peninsula Club as an example. They are back to two golfers per cart, never a mask. I guess they haven’t learned anything from the recent closing of the dining room
Read the instructions on the box. Mask does not prevent spread of viruses or bacteria
Nothing is perfect … masks REDUCE the spread of the virus … which is better then no mask at all.
Why now? This bs scam started March 17, almost 3 months ago w/o masks. MASK WILL NOT BE MANDATORY ever. Stay home if you don’t feel safe out in public.
Are masks enforced at riots and protests? NO
Have social distancing and group size gathering rules been followed at riots and protests. NO
Lastly, while was the excessuve block party gathering off Beaties ford rd. where 100 rounds plus fired 5 people dead others injured and 0 witnesses or coverage by the news. All weapons have been traced to multiple crimes in Charlotte region.
THESE ARE THE ISSUES THAT NEEED TO BE ADDRESSED. NOT The Mask.
The Mask, was a great movie featuring Jim Carey and the beautiful Cameron Diaz.