North Carolina to lift outdoor mask rule, raise gathering limits

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — In a Wednesday afternoon update, Gov. Roy Cooper dropped the requirement for wearing masks outdoors in North Carolina.

As of April 30, masks will no longer be required outdoors.

Masks indoors will still be required. North Carolina’s mask mandate went into effect in late June.

Gov. Cooper said he will lift the indoor mask mandate once two-thirds of NC adults are at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Right now, about half of our adults are partially vaccinated and almost 40 percent are fully vaccinated.,” said Cooper. “This is great progress. But to get to two-thirds, we need everybody to work on this. Tell your loved ones why it’s safe and easy. Give them a ride if they need it.”

The announcement follows the latest CDC guidance saying fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear masks outside, unless in a crowd.

The governor also announced indoor gatherings can increase to 100 people and outdoor gatherings to 200.

“Following these protocols along with getting vaccinated will get us through this and will lead to easing even more restrictions on June 1,” said Gov. Cooper.

NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said North Carolina is holding steady when it comes to COVID-19 metrics. While the state is holding steady, Dr. Cohen said NCDHHS is not seeing the desired decline in metrics.

“If we work together to get vaccinated and keep cases down we can drop restrictions on June 1 and that is our first goal and first step to bring summer back,” said Dr. Cohen.