April 28. Masks will no longer be required outdoors, and mass gathering limits will increase to 100 people indoors and 200 outdoors, according to a new executive order from Gov. Roy Cooper.

Masks will still be required indoors and “strongly recommended outdoors” and in crowded areas and higher risk settings where social distancing is difficult.
In effect, the new order lifts the requirement that Face Coverings be worn outdoors anytime that social distancing from non-household members can’t be maintained

Executive Order No. 209 will also increase mass gathering capacity limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 50 to 100 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 100 to 200.

Occupancy limits currently in place will remain the same.

The order takes effect on April 30 at 5 pm and will remain in effect until June 1, unless repealed, replaced, or rescinded

“Fortunately, we now have enough vaccine for everyone. They are free and widely available across the state. In many places you don’t need appointment,” said NC Dept. of Health & Human Safety Secretary Mandy Cohen.

Dr. Mandy Cohen

North Carolina continues to focus on distributing vaccines quickly and equitably. To date, the state has administered over 7 million doses. 48.7 percent of those 18 and up are at least partially vaccinated, and 39.2 percent of those 18 and up have been fully vaccinated.