Raleigh crowds disobeying mask requirement; mayor discusses response

Crowded restaurants and streets last weekend on Glenwood South were a major contributor to Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin's decision to create a mask requirement. However, the crowds have returned this weekend -- without masks.

However, Baldwin said it's too early to enforce stricter rules, like citations.

She said she believes retail centers are getting the message, but it’s hard getting younger people in entertainment spaces to wear masks. "We are continuing to work with Glenwood South and work with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance to try and work toward compliance," she said.

Crowds near Tin Roof Bar and Hibernian Pub were seen not wearing masks--or practicing good social distancing.

When asked if she was considering stronger enforcement of wearing masks when social distancing isn’t possible, Mayor Baldwin said, "We have not considered that at this point. We’re three days into this, and so it’s not really time to measure success. We’ll continue to monitor and look at this down the road and work with restaurant owners and others to come up with some creative ways to communicate and get masks in people’s hands."

Raleigh and Knightdale are the only two cities in Wake County requiring masks.

Knightdale's order went into effect Sunday and Raleigh's started on Friday night.

In hopes to limit crowds and encourage social distancing, Raleigh police officers are handing out cards with messages about CDC and state guidelines.

The handouts have a bullet pointed list about the governor's order on them, reminding business owners and customers of requirements under the Phase Two plan to reopen the state.

The handouts do not mention Raleigh's newest mandate: masks.

A spokesperson with the Raleigh police department said some patrons were given handouts over the weekend as well.