BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Face coverings will be required in Buncombe County buildings starting Monday, regardless of vaccination status. Buncombe County Government County Manager Avril Pinder made the announcement Friday.

The mask requirement is for staff and visitors in county facilities. 

County officials report the COVID-19 rate has doubled in Buncombe County in the last two weeks. 

“With the reports that the delta variant spreads as fast or faster than small pox, the 1918 flu, or chicken pox, and only slightly more than half of our general population fully vaccinated, it’s imperative we take these measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” Pinder said. 

All Buncombe County employees are required to provide proof of vaccination. Effective August 18, unvaccinated and exempt staff will be required to provide weekly proof of negative COVID-19 test results, county officials say. The requirement applies to all workers. 

Staff and K-13 students will also be expected to wear masks in class at the start of the school year. The school board voted in favor of mask wearing during a special meeting Thursday. 

Buncombe County will begin the school year August 23 with in-person learning, five days a week. 

Coaches and indoor sports participants must wear masks during practice. Face coverings may be lowered during intense practice activities and while participating in athletic contests, school leaders say.

Face coverings on buses and other school transportation will be required. Masks will be optional when outside. 

The district says it has implemented other safety measures, like improved air ventilation procedures, frequently disinfecting high touch areas, implementing physical distancing, and practicing healthy handwashing and sanitizing. 

"While there won’t be required health screenings for staff and students to enter the building, we continue to ask parents to monitor their children for symptoms of COVID-19 and if they feel ill, they should stay home," school leaders say. 

Anyone age 12 and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine at  Buncombe County Health and Human Services by appointment or walk-in between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The facility is located at 40 Coxe Ave. in Asheville. No ID is required and there is no charge for the vaccine. 

Click here for COVID-19 vaccination events or to schedule an appointment.