Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. shared an update on the state’s COVID-19 progress. Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals can safely do most activities without wearing a mask or the need to social distance from others, the state will remove its indoor mask mandate for most settings. Additionally, the state will lift all mass gathering limits and social distancing requirements. These changes are in effect as of 1:30pm on 5-14-21.
Here are the key points:
- This Order takes effect on May 14, 2021, at 1:30 p.m.
- Face covering requirements are lifted in most settings.
- Capacity restrictions are lifted in all settings.
- Social distancing requirements have been lifted in all settings. (For example, there is no longer a requirement that tables in restaurants be spaced out.)
Face covering Requirements Subject to NCDHHS Guidance
The following establishments, businesses, and institutions are required to follow NCDHHS Guidance with respect to indoor face covering requirements and all other COVID-19 related restrictions and recommendations:
- Schools
- Childcare facilities
- Children’s day or overnight camps
- Certain health care settings like long term care centers
- Public or private transportation regulated by the State of North Carolina and North Carolina airports, bus and train stations or stops
- Prisons and establishments that are providing shelter to people experiencing homelessness
- Establishments that are providing shelter to people experiencing homelessness
Information on the state’s vaccine distribution is available at YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov (English) or Vacunate.nc.gov (Spanish). People can find nearby vaccine providers using NCDHHS’ online tool, Find a Vaccine Location. The state’s COVID-19 vaccine hotline number is 888-675-4567.
Read the Executive Order.
Read a FAQ about today’s Order.