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Cornelius News

Face masks will be the law in Orange County NC

June 11. Mecklenburg County has some of the fastest growing numbers of positive COVID-19  cases in the country, but face masks are not the norm at major local grocery stores in Cornelius. We visited Food Lion, Harris Teeter and Publix yesterday and today; the majority of shoppers were not wearing masks.

Meanwhile, Orange County, home of Durham and Chapel Hill, announced it would require people to wear face masks in any store or restaurant starting Friday.

Threats in California

It pits those who believe their inalienable rights include not wearing a face mask against health officials.

Interestingly enough, the health director of Orange County, Calif., Dr. Nichole Quick, resigned after receiving threats over her order for residents to wear face coverings when near others in public to protect against the coronavirus.

The San Jose Mercury News reported that county sheriffs are providing security for Quick.

Higher numbers

Back in North Carolina, today marks the fourth consecutive day in which a record number of daily hospitalizations were reported.

At local grocery stores, staff members are wearing masks, including those at Food Lion, Harris Teeter and Publix. At Food Lion and Harris Teeter, six-foot floor markings will be replaced when floor-maintenance is completed.

Food Lion was sold out of face masks as well as hand sanitizer. Publix had paper and re-usuable face masks for sale.

Irreparable harm?

North Carolina has been in Phase Two of easing COVID-19 restrictions since May 22. Phase Two runs through at least June 26.

Statewide deaths due to COVID-19 broke through 1,000 early this week. Today’s count was 1,064, up 11 from yesterday.

MAYOR WASHAM

Meanwhile, the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services says that an Alamance County speedway risks doing “irreparable harm” to the state’s public health if it is allowed to stay open.

Precaution, prudence

Mayor Woody Washam expressed concerns about the rising number if confirmed cases in Mecklenburg County.

“It is critical that our community stays prudent. I encourage all citizens to follow the CDC’s guidelines to protect themselves and each other,” he said.