Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines signed an amended declaration of a State of Emergency order. The order reinforces North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s mask mandate requirements.
The order also gives the Winston-Salem Fire Department, Fire Marshal and inspectors the authority to enforce capacity and emergency maximum occupancy requirements in businesses. Winston-Salem police are also allowed to issue citations to businesses, organizations, and offices found in violation of the order. According to the order, repeat offenders could face a Class 2 misdemeanor, 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The city will also consider additional enforcement measures and will prepare an ordinance amendment for the Winston-Salem City Council to approve in January.
The order goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.