CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Thursday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he "encouraged" local governments and school districts across the state to end their mask mandates, saying COVID-19 metrics are falling and there are plenty of available vaccines.
Cooper's announcement came one day after Mecklenburg County commissioners unanimously voted to end the county's indoor mask mandate. These decisions left many people wondering what are the rules for masks and if they could be forced to wear a mask by a business despite there being no mandate from the government.
THE QUESTION
Can businesses require customers to wear masks indoors even after a county mask mandate ends?
OUR SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, businesses can require customers to wear masks even when a county mask mandate ends.
WHAT WE FOUND
Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County's health director, recommended the mask mandate be dropped here this week. That doesn't mean masks aren't allowed. Washington said those who are concerned or vulnerable to severe COVID-19 can keep wearing masks. And yes, businesses, can require customers to wear masks.
"Businesses and other entities just like Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools can enforce mask-wearing requirements in their establishments as they see fit," Washington said.
In an email attorney, Gary Mauney agreed, saying:
"Businesses can condition entry on almost anything except something that might qualify as a discriminatory practice. Requiring someone to wear a mask is different from requiring a shirt or shoes for entry."
Atrium and Novant Health said they will continue to require masks in their facilities. Walmart will follow local ordinances, and Target will do the same, but strongly recommends masks for customers. The Spectrum Center in Uptown announced it will release more information after the mandate ends.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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