GREENSBORO, N.C. — To get vaccinated, call the Guilford County Health Department at 336-641-7944.
Guilford County leaders shared an update on the countywide mask mandate Friday morning. You can watch the full briefing on our YouTube page.
The mask mandate has been in effect for two weeks but is now being enforced as of Thursday. Guilford County Commissioners voted 6 to 3 in favor of a policy to enforce the indoor mask mandate.
County officials said education is key, but violators could be fined. It will first be enforced with a warning. After that, it’s $50 per person and $300 for businesses not requiring masks. A second violation for businesses is $500, then $1,500 for a third violation.
Guilford County Commission Board Chair Skip Alston says they don't want to fine people for mask violations, but the situation is getting dire.
"We still have a long way to go. People are still dying, getting infected by this virus," said Alston. "We're serious about this. We want our citizens to know we are serious about fighting this virus. But we can't do it by ourselves."
Fines will be given out on a case-by-case basis.
"We're going to do our investigation, we're going to make sure if civil penalties are recommended, then they're warranted," said Mark Payne, Guilford County Attorney. "But if they're warranted we will issue them."
Guilford County Health Department Director Dr. Iulia Vann said, four full-time staff members and three part-time staff members will be tasked with going out to businesses and making sure the mask mandate is being followed. These individuals will also follow up on violation reports by the public.
The number to report Guilford County businesses not following the mask mandate is 336-641-7638. You can also email covidcomplaints@guilfordcountync.gov.
The rules will be lifted when the Guilford County vaccination rate is 70% or if the county’s percent positive is 5% or below for three consecutive weeks.
Guilford County Commission Board Chairman Skip Alston said how long the mask mandate is in effect is in the hands of those who are unvaccinated and when they decide to get the shot.
"If we can get to some herd immunity, we can cancel the mask mandate," Alston said. "We're not going to relax until all of our citizens are safe and this virus is defeated to some greater degree in the best way that we can."
Salon 818 in Greensboro said they never stopped requiring masks, even after the first mandate was lifted.
"It has not affected how we do business nor has it affected how our clients come in because they're so used to the system we have in place," said Salon 818 co-owner Jaime Wright. "It's almost second nature."
To get vaccinated,
- Please call Guilford County Health Department at 336-641-7944.
- Find an upcoming clinic and register online.
- For at-home vaccinations, click here or call 866-303-0026.