GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – The Gaston County Board of Commissioners caught some criticism from Gov. Roy Cooper and other state officials after releasing a “Gaston Promise” order to reopen the county Wednesday.

The largely symbolic order is in defiance to the state’s stay-at-home order and encouraged residents to go back to work and worship at churches in accordance to the U.S. social distancing initiatives.

"This order’s only effect is to create confusion during a public health emergency, which is dangerous,” Cooper said in a statement. “The Gaston County order itself says that the statewide Stay At Home order remains in effect, and state leaders urge people to continue following it."

The county released a statement saying the county government will continue to follow state laws, including the governor’s executive order, which supersedes its own order. County officials encouraged staff and county residents to follow the law.

However, the county commissioners wanted to show their support for county residents to get back to work.

“In spite of the Governor’s order, we support and will stand with those that want to open their businesses and go to work,” Gaston County Commissioners Chairman Tracy Philbeck said.

The mayors of several municipalities within Gaston County also issued a joint statement Wednesday evening, which you can read below.