BAKERSVILLE – For Mitchell County Sheriff Donald Street, masks are not a political issue.
Street and his officers have been donning masks during the COVID-19 pandemic for the safety of themselves and the public.
“When the governor’s order on masks came out, I sent a text to all my deputies and said if they’re out in public or searching cars, they’re to wear a mask,” Street said. “They’re trying their best to do it.”
Several Mitchell County deputies were exposed Monday, July 6 to an individual who later tested positive for COVID-19.
“He had no clue he was positive for COVID-19,” Street said about the individual who was involuntarily committed. “We only found out when we got him to the hospital.”
One of Street’s deputies is already out with COVID-19. While Street declined to name the officer, he noted he is young and has been sick for more than two weeks.
“He’s a young guy but I know just from talking to him that he’s been pretty sick,” Street said.
Street said four officers were tested Thursday, July 9 for COVID-19 and returned for another test Monday, July 13.
Street, who has been tested four times, said he plans to continue to wear a mask if it means protecting himself and the public.
“If I can wear a mask to protect myself or others and keep them from getting sick, I’m going to do what it takes,” he said.
Street said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s order on mandatory masks does not give his department any instruction on enforcement procedures beyond citing people for trespassing if asked to leave for not wearing a mask by a business.
Still, he urges the public to wear a mask to help slow the spread locally.
“It’s hitting Mitchell County hard right now,” Street said. “All you have to do is look at the Toe River Health District page and see the number of positives. I do feel that for everybody’s safety that it’s best to wear a mask. It may not be yourself you’re protecting-- it could be protecting your elderly parents or somebody else.”