Gov. Cooper press conference May 14

May 14. By Dave Yochum. Gov. Roy Cooper has lifted all mandatory capacity and gathering limits and social distancing requirements, while at the same time easing most mask requirements.

The announcement occurred during a 1:30 pm press conference today. Both Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen entered the press conference without wearing masks.

“I look forward to not wearing the mask,” Cooper said, explaining that “a lot more people” need to get vaccinated before the pandemic would be near the end.

“We still have more to do,” Cooper said. The virus will continue to be around, despite the decline in cases, Cohen said.

The changes are effective immediately. Masks are still a must in school settings and childcare.

It’s a major step toward life before the pandemic. Yesterday, the CDC eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, 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.

To date, North Carolina has administered more than 7.7 million doses, with 51 percent of those 18 and up are at least partially vaccinated, and 46 percent of those 18 and up have been fully vaccinated.