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COVID-19

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1. When does Boone’s face mask order take effect?

Boone's face mask order takes effect Saturday, June 20th at 9 am.

2. Who has to wear a mask under Boone’s order?

While indoors in any commercial business or Town office, in an area that is open to the general public, all customers, employees, and any other occupants or users of such area shall wear a face covering.

3. What is considered a commercial business?

Commercial business means any for-profit business open to the general public for the purchase of goods, entertainment, or services, including by way of example but not limited to: 

• Banks
• Restaurants
• Retail stores (such as grocery stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, pharmacies, ABC stores, and vehicle dealerships)
• Service businesses

Commercial business shall not be deemed to include County or State properties or facilities of any kind.

4. Where else are face coverings required?

All Town of Boone offices requires face coverings including:

• Boone ABC Store
• Facilities
• Fire Department Stations
• Jones House Community Center
• Planning Department
• Police Department
• Public Works Offices
• Town Hall

5. What kind of face covering do I have to wear?

Face covering means a material covering the nose and mouth for the purpose of ensuring the physical health or safety of the wearer or others (Session Law 2020-3 s. 4.3. (a) amending G.S. § 14-12.11). A face covering can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. Acceptable, reusable face-covering options for the general public include: 

• Bandanas
• Homemade face coverings
• Neck gaiters
• Scarves
• Tightly woven fabric such as cotton t-shirts and some types of towels

6. What if I don’t know how to make a face mask?

Almost any cloth item that can be tied around your mouth and nose can be considered a face covering. The order suggests using scarves, bandannas, or neck gaiters if you don't have a cloth mask. You can even cut up t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels to make a covering that can be tied around your head. Whatever you use for a face covering, it should be laundered between uses.

7. Do I have to wear a face mask when I go for a walk or run?

You do not have to wear a face mask if you are exercising outdoors alone (or with someone from your household) as long as you are physically distanced from other people.

8. Do people who work in stores have to wear face masks?

Yes. Anyone who works in a restaurant, grocery store, retail store, nail salon, hair salon, tattoo parlor, or other personal care or grooming establishment in the Town of Boone is required to wear a face-covering (covering the mouth and nose) while on duty.

9. Will businesses require me to wear a face mask when I go inside?

Many businesses already do, but the new order from the Town of Boone requires customers to wear face coverings while inside establishments.

10. Do kids have to wear a face mask?

Children under 11 years old are not required to wear a face covering.

11. If I have to wear a face mask inside a restaurant, how can I eat?

Take the mask off when eating or drinking, but wear it other times.

12. Who is exempt from the face mask order?

There are some exemptions to the order such as:

• Children who are under 11 years of age
• Customer dining in a restaurant, while that customer is sitting at his or her table
• Law enforcement officer, or to any emergency responder, who reasonably deems it necessary to remove a face covering in the course of his or her duties
• Person complying with directions issued by a law enforcement officer as provided at Session Law 2020-3 s. 4.3.(a)) (amending G.S. § 14-12.11(c))
• Person who cannot wear a face-covering due to a medical or behavioral health condition, including but not limited to anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
• Person who reasonably deems it necessary to remove his or her face covering for safety reasons or in order to carry out his or her job duties

13. How long is Boone's face covering order in effect?

The order is in effect until modified or rescinded.

14. What happens if I don’t wear a face mask?

A violation of this Section shall constitute a class 2 misdemeanor as provided at G.S. §166A-19.31(h); provided, however, that law enforcement officers shall first educate the offender as to the requirements set forth herein; upon a subsequent violation may issue a warning; and only in the event of repeat violations manifesting willful flouting or circumvention of this Declaration issue a criminal citation for violation of this Section; and further provided, that no criminal citation shall be issued for a violation of this Section until on or after 9 am on July 11, 2020, so that residents, workers, and visitors may be educated as to the requirements of this Amendment.

15. What do I need to do to expand or create temporary outdoor dining for my restaurant?

Review the Temporary Outdoor Dining Guidance (PDF) for information about outdoor dining.

16. How do I determine the Emergency Maximum Occupancy?

Contact the  Fire Department or call 828-268-6180 to determine Emergency Maximum Occupancy.

17. What businesses are exempt under Governor Cooper’s Executive Order to Stay at Home?

View the Governor's Executive Order (PDF) to see what businesses are exempt.

18. Are hotels, short term rental and Airbnbs open?

Review the Watauga County Emergency Declaration Order (PDF) to see which hotels, rentals, and Airbnbs are open.

19. Are parks and playgrounds in Boone open?

The Boone Greenway is open. However, picnic shelters and playgrounds are closed to limit transmission.

20. I have concerns about my water being turned off or I’m having trouble paying my full bill.

The Town Manager has directed staff that there will be no shut-offs during the Declaration of Emergency. Citizens who have to make utilities or other payments should use the city's online payment system. 

Payment by check or cash can be made at the city's drop night depository box at Town Hall located on the side of the building next to the driveway. Utilities will not be disconnected during the duration of the Declaration of Emergency; however, arrangements must be made for payment by calling 828-268-6220.

21. Is trash and recycling pick up on schedule?

Residential trash pick-up is on a normal schedule. In an effort to protect collection workers so they can continue this service, please make sure to place all garbage in a garbage bag, which reduces their exposure potential! Republic Services can be reached at 828-264-3689.

22. How have other Town of Boone operations been impacted?

View the letter from the Mayor and Town Manager (PDF) to learn other operations that have been impacted.