High Country Times

A North Carolina town government decided that it wasn't going to wait for a statewide order to require community members to wear face masks or coverings.  

Those who fail to comply with the policy may receive a fine, Boone policymakers said in a Facebook post on June 17. 

As of June 20 "wearing a mask or face covering will be required for all individuals in public indoor spaces within Boone town limits," Boone officials said in the post. 

The requirement came just days before Gov. Roy Cooper's order for face masks or coverings went into effect on June 26 and also included outdoor spaces where social distancing was not possible, Boone officials said in the Facebook post. It also is reflective of the state and local leaders taking more action to curb COVID-19 cases as they continue to climb. 

"Law enforcement will immediately seek compliance with this masking order but will not start issuing fines until three weeks after it is effective, as a way to give Boone residents time to adjust to this change," Boone posted to Facebook. 

After the three-week adjustment period, Boone officials said police may start issuing fines on community members who failed to follow the order, Boone officials said in the post. 

However, there are exceptions. "Folks who cannot wear a mask due to valid medical, religious or behavioral concerns are exempt from this requirement," Boone policymakers said in the post, "as are children under 11 years old." 

North Carolina has recorded some of its highest one-day total of positive COVID-19 cases recently. On July 3, the state's Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,099 cases, a state record, but that has dropped since its peak to 1,346 as of July 7. However, 989 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized, which is also the state's highest total during the pandemic.