Statement from Mayor Vivian Jones

The Town of Wake Forest is concerned about the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in our community, state and nation and recognize that the surge is due largely to the infectious Delta variant. The troubling trends we are witnessing include rapid increases in new cases, higher positivity rates, increased hospitalizations, and ICU units at or near full capacity.

Although Wake County is expected to reinstate a mask mandate in the coming days (which will apply to residents living in unincorporated areas), the Town of Wake Forest has decided not to follow suit at this time due to inconsistent mask requirements across our state and no enforcement authority.

Instead, we are strongly urging everyone to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces. Furthermore, we support those merchants requiring a mask to be worn inside their business just as we require visitors and staff to wear masks inside our Town facilities.

Our decision not to issue a mask mandate at this time should not be interpreted as a refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of our current situation. Rather, we are choosing to rely on our citizens to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, practicing the three W’s, and staying home when sick.

Just as we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to monitor this ever-changing situation and make adjustments as necessary.