Concealed Carry Laws Do Not Prohibit COVID-19 Masks: Sheriff

MOORESVILLE, NC — North Carolina concealed carry laws do not prohibit permit holders from wearing a face mask meant to protect against novel coronavirus, according to the Iredell County Sheriff.

Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to decide on the status of the state's Phase 2 reopening, which is set to expire Friday unless it is extended or changed. He has indicated that a mask mandate could be included.

"Recently, we have received several questions from our Concealed Carry Permit Holders and other members of the community about whether wearing a mask to protect yourself from the COVID-19 Virus while legally carrying concealed violates the law," the sheriff's office said in a statement Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: Masks Now Mandatory In NC, Phase 3 Reopening Delayed

Some questions have centered on the state statute that refers to wearing a mask for the purpose of concealing identity, ICSO said. "Our attorney has researched this issue and we can assure you, there is no General Statute prohibiting you from wearing a mask to protect yourself from the virus and legally carrying concealed."

As of Wednesday, there were 593 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Nine county residents have lost their lives to coronavirus-related illness, and 14 residents remained hospitalized as of Wednesday, according to the Iredell County Health Department. At least 225 residents who had tested positive were isolating in their homes, health officials said.

SEE ALSO: Mask Survey: 3 Out of 4 Say Masks Needed In NC COVID-19 Fight

The development comes as North Carolina reported 1,721 COVID-19 confirmations Wednesday, increasing the state's tally to more than 56,000 cases.

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Iredell County health officials are grouping cases into three regions of the county: North, Central and South. Here's a breakdown of where cases have been confirmed as of 4 p.m. June 24:

North Region (zip codes 27020, 27028, 27055, 28625, 28634, 28636, 28660, 28689 and 28678)

• 149 cases (up from 124 cases reported June 19)

Central Region (zip codes 27013, 28166, 28677)

• 244 cases (up from 213 cases reported June 19)

South Region (zip codes 28036, 28115, 28117, 28125)

• 200 cases (up from 175 cases reported June 19)

About 8 percent of the county's confirmed cases were children under 17 years of age, ICHD data said Tuesday. Most of the cases — about 39 percent — were of residents who were 25 to 49 years old.

The county's COVID-19 case tally is cumulative and, as of June 24, included an estimated 344 cases that are assumed recovered.

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