Update from Buncombe County:
The Multi-Agency Task Force convened yesterday to continue enforcement of the executive orders and the most recent local declaration. The Task Force consists of public health officials, sheriff’s deputies, the Asheville Police Department and city and county Fire Departments and fire marshals. This team observed businesses in response to complaints logged with the Ready Team and by proactively spot-checking businesses.
Key factors assessed are:
- Signage Requirements
- Mask Compliance
- Capacity Limitations
- Greeters at stores with over 15,000 sq. ft.
- Compliance with 6ft Physical distancing
Since last Wednesday, Nov. 25, the Ready Team has received 145 reports of noncompliance with the executive and local orders. Of those reports, 80% were regarding mask complaints, 16% of reports contained an element of both masking and capacity violations, 1% of complaints were related to capacity requirements alone, and 3% of reports were about other issues such as hygiene.
The Task Force observed 40 businesses throughout the county and downtown Asheville and specifically assessed 12 businesses ranging from restaurant, gym and retail. Other than minor signage violations, most of those 40 were stores observed to be in compliance. No citations were issued, no issues with occupancy or mask wearing were observed, and the only frequently observed issues were businesses that lacked the emergency maximum occupancy signage at the entrance.
“Many local business owners have called the Ready Team to assess their compliance with the state and local orders. We see this as a positive sign from our business community that they want to do the right thing. This Task Force will continue to regularly assess businesses in the coming weeks through routine surveillance and in response to complaints logged with the Ready Team,” says Fletch Tove, Buncombe County Public Health Preparedness Director. Businesses are encouraged to use the information and resources found at www.buncombeready.org if they have questions or need to access the emergency occupancy signage.
While they’re working so hard to enforce ridiculous complaints regarding compliance how about putting the same energy in stopping real crime, like the increase in shootings and theft. We aren’t a socialist country yet!