Mask Mandate For Charlotte Area In Effect Starting 5pm Today (Wednesday)
To mask or not to mask has been a looming question for leaders in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Now, it’s a policy. Starting 5 pm today (Wednesday, August 18) face coverings must be worn in indoor public places.
It’s the third amendment of a joint proclamation between the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners and the Mayor of the City of Charlotte. Both offices consulted with Mecklenburg’s public health officials in making the decision. If you’re in the city of Charlotte or any unincorporated area of Mecklenburg County, face coverings will be required in any indoor public place, business, or establishment.
The mandate includes all individuals four years old and older. The mandate will remain in effect through September 1, 2021, unless rescinded sooner or terminated.
Face Covering Exceptions
Face Coverings do not need to be worn by someone who:
- Has any medical or behavioral condition or disability (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the Face Covering without assistance);
- Is actively eating or drinking;
- Seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible;
- Giving a speech or performance for a broadcast, or to an audience, where they maintain a distance of at least 20 feet from the audience (the audience is still required to wear a Face Covering if indoors);
- Temporarily removing their Face Coverings at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines;
- Has found their Face Covering is impeding visibility to operate equipment or a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- If I am indoors but am socially distanced or not close to others, do I still have to wear a mask?
- Yes. If you are in a public indoor space, you are required to wear a mask regardless of social distancing and/or your vaccination status.
- If I own a business, do I have to require customers to wear a mask?
- Yes. You must require customers who do not fit into one of the exemptions to wearing a mask while at your establishment.
- As a business owner, what should I do if I have customers who refuse to comply AND refuse to leave the premises?
- Call 9-1-1 to request Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police to respond for trespassing.
- How long will this mask mandate be in effect?
- This mandate goes into effect at 5 p.m. today and will remain in effect until at least September 1, 2021. The Public Health Rule will be voted on today and if passed, will go into effect in 10 days. Both mandates are based on the current COVID-19 metrics and the duration of the Public Health Rule will be dependent on the metrics improving.
For more information about the mask mandate, the COVID vaccine, or COVID-19, please visit mecknc.gov/covid-19.
General questions can be directed to the Mecklenburg County Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 980-314-9400. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
