For Immediate Release

05/14/2021    

COVID-19 Information

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVID-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Vaccine Information

Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVIDvaccine
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Rowan County COVID-19 Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

North Carolina Drops Most Mask Requirements and All Social Distancing Mandates Based on CDC Guidance

Effective immediately, North Carolina has lifted all mandatory capacity, gathering limits, social distancing requirements and easing most mask requirements.

Gov. Roy Cooper made the announcement Friday afternoon, and the changes went into effect immediately.

 “We can take this step today because the science shows our focus on getting people vaccinated is working,” Cooper said. “But to keep moving forward – and to make sure that we keep saving lives – more people need to get vaccinated.”

In a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life, the CDC has eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people as of yesterday, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.

The CDC's guidance still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools, and other venues — even removing the need for social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated.

Businesses can also make decisions on whether to mandate masks in their spaces among those who are vaccinated. 

Previously, Cooper said his intent has been to keep the state's current mask mandate in place until two-thirds of adults receive at least one COVID-19 shot.

In accordance with the new CDC guidance, there will still be certain settings in North Carolina where masks and other safety measures will be required.

Masks will still be required in child care, schools and camps as most children are either not yet vaccinated or are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.

Everyone, including people who are fully vaccinated will still be required to wear a mask in certain settings such as public transportation, health care settings like hospitals, doctor’s offices and long-term care settings like nursing homes, and certain congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters.

Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to keep wearing masks in public.

Masks are also strongly recommended for everyone at large crowded indoor events like sporting events and live performances.

View Gov. Roy Cooper's full Executive Order 215 (PDF)

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Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - May 14, 2021 (PDF)