City of Asheville joins Buncombe County in indoor Mask Requirements

COVID-19 update photo illustration

Buncombe County, including the City of Asheville, continues to see a significant growth in the number of positive COVID-19 cases. Since Aug. 3, trends have not improved. 

At its Aug. 18 emergency meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners declared a Local State of Emergency requiring residents and visitors in any indoor public spaces to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others. Mayor Esther Manheimer signed an order for the City of Asheville shortly thereafter.

Effective immediately, indoor public spaces include business establishments, offices and workplaces, public transportation facilities and vehicles, and any indoor place the public is invited and allowed to enter and gather. The order applies to all people who are at least 5 years old, and face coverings are recommended for all people over the age of 2.

Worship, religious, and spiritual gatherings, funeral ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, and other activities constituting the exercise of First Amendment rights are exempt from the requirement of this order.

Click here to read the City of Asheville order. 

For the most update COVID-19 information buncombeready.org