Visitors to any indoor Warren County facility must wear masks while conducting business, effective Monday, Aug. 2. As of this publication, there are no mask mandates in Henderson or Vance County buildings, but officials told WIZS that they continue to monitor updates regarding mask recommendations from the state.
All visitors entering a Granville County facility should wear a face covering effective Tuesday, August 3, according to Lynn Allred, public information officer/grants coordinator. In a written statement, Allred said, “Employees should wear a face covering when engaging with the public; Employees – whether vaccinated or unvaccinated – should wear a face covering inside the workplace when within 6 feet of other people. (Face coverings are not necessary if the employee has a private workspace); Social distancing should be practiced wherever possible.”
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen acknowledged that guidance changes, and “at the current time, we are not planning to require masks within the county buildings,” McMillen said in a statement to WIZS News. He added that officials are “highly encouraging the use of masks within the common areas and courtrooms at the courthouse due to the large concentration of individuals within these areas.” According to McMillen, Chief District Court Judge John Davis issued a memo requesting the recommended use of masks in these areas.
“We … continue to watch the guidance as it changes daily. Our intent is to follow state mandates as it relates to social distancing, mask wearing and other precautions if they are implemented again,” McMillen said.
Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon said city officials currently are assessing the situation. “As we solicit additional feedback from the health department, a similar announcement may be forthcoming,” Blackmon told WIZS in reference to what Warren County is doing.
In Warren County, County Manager Vincent Jones and Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake issued a statement concerning the updated mask requirement. Warren County is among the 92 N.C. counties with a high or substantial transmission of COVID-19, the statement read. The CDC recommends that residents of those areas need to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. County staff also will be wearing masks indoors.
As of this publication, Warren, Vance and Granville counties are considered “substantial” spread areas. Franklin County is a “high” spread area.