ReopenNC founder promotes 'Burn Your Mask' challenge

Smith posted a video on the ReopenNC Facebook page explaining her opinions.

"As you know, we are a group that is completely against mandatory anything," she said. "We are for personal liberty and the constitution and personal freedom."

Smith, holding a blue medical mask, the kind used by many workers in healthcare settings, read the description on its packaging, which cautions users, "When properly worn ... the mask reduces potential contact by the wearer to fluids but does not eliminate the risk of contracting any virus, disease or infection."

"This does not prevent the spread of COVID," Smith addressed viewers in the video. "This is not a sign of your compassion or how much you care for another human being. This is a sign of control."

Smith then proceeds to light the mask on fire and burn it in a frying pan.

Some groups still have limited access to masks, and burning perfectly good PPE is concerning to many.

Gov. Roy Cooper said Monday that requiring people to wear masks in public to limit the spread of the virus is "absolutely in discussion," and Wake County commissioners also are considering such a mandate.

The Raleigh City Council plans to vote Tuesday on a measure to require masks.

Masks are already a requirement in Durham and Orange counties.