Poll: Some Triangle residents don't wear masks in public because they're not required

Media consulting group Magid surveyed 100 adults in the Raleigh area at random and found that one of the main reasons people say they don't wear a mask is that it's not required.

In addition to "it's more of an option," which was stated by 43 percent of those who say they don't routinely wear a mask, 43 percent also said the places they visit don't require one. Each of these responses was picked by 35 percent: there's no medical reason for wearing a mask, it's uncomfortable or the virus will continue spreading whether they wear one or not.

Among the 77 percent of people who say they do wear masks in public, the most common reasons were they want to limit the spread of the virus (82 percent), places require it (51 percent) and medical reasons (45 percent).

"I thought it was mandated, and even if not, seems like a great, healthy standard," Durham resident Kiva Jordan said.

Durham and Durham County do require a mask in public when people cannot maintain at least 6 feet of space from others. But statewide rules put in place by Gov. Roy Cooper's administration merely encourage people to wear masks.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services, has said masks aren't generally required because of racial profiling concerns.

"We can't talk about face coverings and not acknowledge that some populations may feel increased anxiety, fear or bias and being profiled, wearing face coverings in public places," Cohen said during a recent state briefing on the pandemic.

Durham Mayor Steve Schewel said the profiling concern shouldn't be dismissed, but he believes the Durham area made the right call in requiring masks.

"I do think the requirements help, but I think what really drives people wearing face coverings is they know it’s safer," Schewel said. "We’re in a public health emergency, and people know that face coverings keep them safe.

"Walk around and you’ll see, I think that people of all races and ethnicities in Durham want to wear a mask. We have incredibly strong compliance," he added. "We can have all the orders that we want, and they help. But people believing and knowing and following the public health advice is really what’s going to keep us safe."

Durham resident Robert Carr agrees.

"I feel it’s important to uphold my responsibilities as a citizen," Carr said. "I am certainly happy to have some clear guidelines put in place and happy to follow those. I think it’s a very reasonable request to consider."