GASTON CO., N.C. — Beginning Friday, August 13th an indoor mandatory mask mandate will be put into place for all Gaston County employees regardless of vaccination status.
Officials say the decision was made in light of the rapidly rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations within the county.
Health officials say on Wednesday, a total of 133 new COVID cases (with 64 individuals in the hospital) were reported. Officials say this is the highest level of spread seen since February.
“This decision is about protecting our employees and citizens and making sure we can continue to serve the public effectively,” County Manager Dr. Kim Eagle says. “As we have throughout this pandemic, we will rely on our health experts to provide us with the best information so we can make informed decisions.”
County officials ask all residents who come to its buildings to wear a mask and social distance if they are unvaccinated.
Officials say 37 percent of Gaston County residents are fully vaccinated, with 41 percent partially vaccinated.
State incentives including the $100 gift card seem to helping, as officials say 159 individuals have received their vaccine since last week.
“We’re encouraged that the incentive seems to be motivating folks to receive the vaccine,” Public Health Director Steve Eaton says. “With the highly contagious Delta variant accounting for an estimated 93 percent of all COVID cases in our state, there’s no better time than now to get the vaccine.”
Residents who still need to be vaccinated do not need an appointment to get the vaccine.
Health officials say to head over to the health department facility on W. Hudson Boulevard in Gastonia, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., to receive one of three free COVID-19 vaccines.
Click here to learn more about vaccination opportunities and testing locations in Gaston County.
