Masks aren’t required in the NC legislature. Some lawmakers wear them anyway.

It’s been six weeks since North Carolina lawmakers reconvened, and with the exception the unanimous passage of a coronavirus relief package, legislators remain divided on COVID-19-related issues, including whether to wear a mask.

Visitors, members and media are encouraged to practice social distancing inside the Legislative Building and temperature checks are required upon entry. No one is required to wear a mask.

Still, some legislators wear masks the entire time they’re in the building. Prior to the session held in late April, Rep. David Lewis, a Republican from Dunn, also encouraged members to wear masks.

The News & Observer surveyed all 170 state lawmakers to find out which legislators have chosen to wear a face covering or mask while at work, and why.

Rep. Kandie D. Smith, a Democrat from Greenville, said she wears a mask in the building at all times.

“There is still so much that we do not know about this virus and anyone could be a carrier,” Smith said in response to the N&O survey. “I want to increase the chance of safety for everyone. I also want to mirror what we are expecting the community to do during these uncertain times.”

Some legislators wear masks on the floor, but not in small committee rooms. Others have opted out of wearing masks altogether, even as hospitalizations for the novel coronavirus have continued to climb.

Divided along party lines?

Of the 63 lawmakers who responded to the survey, all said they wear masks at least some of the time.

Fifty-one of the respondents were Democrats; 12 were Republicans. More than half of Democrats responded, compared to just over one in 10 Republicans. Too few lawmakers responded to know if wearing a mask is a partisan issue.

Rep. Donna White, a registered nurse and Republican from Clayton, was one of two Republicans who said she wears a mask in the building at all times.

“Until we learn more about this virus it is important that we use all tools in our box to prevent the spread,” White said.

Thirty-one Democrats, compared to the two Republicans, said they wear masks all the time. Fourteen Democrats and and five Republicans said they wear masks most of the time.

Sen. Erica Smith, a Democrat representing Eastern North Carolina, was one of 14 Democrats who said they wear masks most, but not all, of the time. She cited the 20,000 positive coronavirus tests at the time she responded to the survey as one factor in her decision.

“It is in everyone’s interest to practice social distancing, wear masks, wash hands and follow best practices in reducing spread of the virus and ramping up our state’s economy,” Smith, who sometimes removes her mask while speaking in press conferences, said in her response May 20.

Just over two weeks later, the state is now reporting more than 33,000 cases and 1,000 deaths.

Five Republicans said they wear masks most of the time. One of them was Rep. Jason Saine, who brought his son to the legislature one day.

Saine, of Lincolnton said he wears a mask for his safety and the safety of others. His son wore a mask while visiting.

One Democrat, Rep. Billy Richardson of Fayetteville, and two Republicans, Rep. Chris Humphrey of Kinston and Rep. Kelly Hastings of Cherryville, said they wear masks some of the time.

“As with everyone else, I wear a face covering at times and not at other times,” Hastings said. “As you have noticed, Governor Cooper does not wear a face covering all the time.”

Chamber differences

A higher percentage of representatives (40%) responded to the N&O’s survey than senators (26%).

The Senate is requiring members be physically present for all votes and committee meetings, while the House is allowing representatives to stay home and vote by proxy by relaying their vote to the majority or minority leader. House members can attend committee meetings virtually, if desired.

Rep. Gale Adcock responded to the survey but has been working virtually.

“I have not been inside the LB since the ‘stay at home‘ and ‘safer at home‘ executive orders were issued,” said Adcock, a nurse practitioner and Democrat from Cary. “I have participated in all virtual House committee meetings and House floor sessions.”

The session is expected to last at least until the end of June, when Phase Three of Cooper’s order is set to begin. State officials are still encouraging people to wear a mask, wash their hands and practice social distancing.

For more North Carolina government and politics news, listen to the Domecast politics podcast from The News & Observer and the NC Insider. You can find it on Megaphone, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.

This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 12:37 PM with the headline "Masks aren’t required in the NC legislature. Some lawmakers wear them anyway.."