Wake leaves mask mandates up to area cities; Raleigh pushes toward one

"If Wake County were to issue a mask order without the support of all of our mayors, the inconsistent application and enforcement of that order across the county would likely result in a great deal of unnecessary public confusion and enforcement issues," Ford said in a statement. "It remains the position of Wake County that masks and face coverings are strongly encouraged in all circumstances where social distancing is not possible. Each of Wake's municipalities has local authority to issue a mask order within its town or city limits."

About 83 percent of Wake County residents live in one of the 12 municipalities.

The Raleigh City Council quickly jumped to the head of the line and unanimously approved at its Tuesday meeting drafting a revised emergency ordinance that would include a mask requirement.

"This is to help save lives," Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said of requiring masks. "Nobody wants to go backwards. We don't want another stay-at-home order. We want to move forward, and we want to ensure that our businesses can move forward as well."

No start date was set for Raleigh's mask requirement. Baldwin said it would be patterned after an ordinance already in effect in Durham County, noting the city would focus on education rather than enforcement.

Orange County also requires masks in public.

"I think it’s important to follow the guidelines of the experts and do what we can to keep everyone safe, and I also think that, if we don’t want to go back to a stay-at-home order and shut everything down again, that this is a reasonable, measured step to keep people safe but keep the economy open," Councilman Jonathan Melton said.

Councilman Corey Branch said he wants to ensure that Raleigh can make masks available to people who cannot get them.

Melton said he's confident that other area cities will follow Raleigh's lead.

"A lot of folks come in to Raleigh to visit, for work or for entertainment, and so, if just Raleigh has the policy, it almost doesn’t do any good because you’re carrying everything out when you leave Raleigh," he said.

But a quick survey by WRAL News on Tuesday shows that isn't likely.

"Mandatory masks in public are not on the table for Cary at this time," spokeswoman Deanna Hawkes said.

"The mayor recommends that people wear masks but is not considering making them mandatory at this time," Holly Springs spokesman Mark Andrews said.

"There are no plans at this time to institute a mandate that face coverings be worn in Fuquay-Varina when in public," spokeswoman Susan Weiss said.

Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert said he would "continue supporting the recommendations regarding masks" set by Gov. Roy Cooper. "As always, I encourage Apex businesses to make decisions in the best interest of their business and customers," Gilbert said.

Likewise, Garner will follow "whatever orders might be issued by the county or state," spokesman Rick Mercier said.

Knightdale officials are the only ones who appear to be considering a local mandate. Spokesman Jonas Silver said the Town Council is "actively exploring options, including the possibility of making masks mandatory in public spaces."