Davidson Commissioners Consider Face Mask Mandate For Town

DAVIDSON, NC — Face masks may soon be required in Davidson. Davidson's Board of Commissioners are set to take up the issue of mandating face coverings, along with other potential restrictions meant to protect public health, as part of the town's response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic during a virtual special meeting Tuesday night.

The news comes on the cusp of an announcement expected this week about the next steps for easing stay-at-home restrictions in North Carolina.

According to an agenda released for Tuesday night's meeting, town officials expect the state will move forward on schedule. "Indications are that the State will move to Phase 2 on May 22," the agenda said.

While North Carolina public officials are strongly encouraging residents to wear face masks to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, the state has stopped short of mandating their use.

Davidson, however, could potentially mandate their use, according to the notes for the meeting. Also under consideration is an aggressive public awareness campaign urging social distancing through banners, sidewalk decals, and a police messaging board placed Downtown.

Commissioners will also discuss the pros and cons of keeping restaurant service to strictly take out and delivery, as well as keeping the movie theater, play grounds and personal care businesses, such as barber shops and salons, closed.

The full "Town of Davidson COVID-19 Response" agenda may be found here.

North Carolina's current Phase 1 modified stay-at-home executive order that encourages residents to stay home but allows the reopening of most businesses and parks is set to expire Friday, but what comes next has not yet been finalized, according to the governor.

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Should the state move into the next phase of easing restrictions later this week, it would coincide with Memorial Day weekend and would mark a significant change in the state's stance toward curtailing the spread of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

In Phase 2, the stay-at-home order would be lifted. Restaurants, bars, gyms and personal care services such as salons and barbers would be allowed to operate with limits and safety protocol requirements. Gatherings at churches and entertainment venues would be allowed at reduced capacity, and public playgrounds would reopen. State officials are also considering allowing community and neighborhood pools to reopen.

State public health officials have said the decision about advancing into Phase 2 will be based upon a 14-day span of trends in the numbers of COVID-like syndromic cases, lab confirmed cases, positive tests as a percentage of total tests and hospitalizations.

"We'll ease restrictions and move to Phase 2 only if we're headed in the right direction with our data," Cooper said Monday.

Cooper said Monday he would make an announcement "by midweek."

The Board of Commissioners meeting will be livestreamed here at 6 p.m. Additionally, the meeting will be available on Zoom. Advance registration for the Zoom webinar will end at 5 p.m.