Masks Mandatory In NC, Phase 3 Reopening Delayed: Cooper

NORTH CAROLINA — Debate about how to encourage or require the wearing of face coverings in the community ended in North Carolina Wednesday. North Carolina is now requiring masks be worn in indoor or outdoor public spaces, Gov. Roy Cooper announced.

The news comes as the state faces wholesale increases in the trajectory of COVID-19 cases, percent of test positives and hospitalizations — trends that have all collectively led Cooper to call off the state progressing into Phase 3 of reopening for at least three weeks. Phase 2 was originally set to expire Friday, June 26.

The executive order that includes both the mask mandate and the Phase 2 extension goes into effect Friday at 5 p.m.

North Carolina reported 1,721 newly confirmed cases of novel coronavirus Wednesday, marking the second highest spike for the state and increasing the tally to more than 56,000 cases, according to the latest data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

"This is not where we planned to be, or wanted to be," Cooper said, calling the numbers "a stark warning."

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in North Carolina. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Under the new mandate, face coverings will be required in public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, when socially distancing is difficult. The mandate also extends to employees and customers of retail businesses and restaurants. Workers in construction, meat processing, manufacturing and agricultural settings will also be required to wear face coverings.

"We're adding this new requirement because we don't want to go backward," Cooper said.

There are, however, some exceptions to the mandate. Those exempt are children under 11, those with medical conditions, people at home and those exercising outside, he said.

"Overwhelming evidence that is growing by the week shows that wearing a face covering can greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19, especially from people who have it and don’t know it yet," Cooper said during a news conference Wednesday. "One important point here. Required face coverings not only cause zero harm to our economy — they in fact help our economy by making it safer to shop, do business, and keep our small businesses running."

The extension of Phase 2 will last until at least July 17. Cooper said he hoped by then restrictions could be eased on playground equipment, museums and gyms. "I know this virus has been very difficult for business owners who are anxious to open their doors," Cooper said.

Included in the Phase 2 executive order put in place May 22:

• Indoor restaurant areas will be limited to 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements
• Personal care businesses, such as salons and barbers, will be allowed open at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees will be required to wear face coverings.
• Swimming pools will also be able to open at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements
• Retail businesses will continue to operate at 50 percent capacity
• Overnight and day camps will be allowed to operate with special guidance
• Teleworking continues to be recommended when possible
• Bars, nightclubs, gyms, indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, museums, as well as public playgrounds will remain closed.
• Mass gathering limitations will also remain, with no more than 10 people gathered together indoors and 25 people when outdoors
• Church services will be exempt from the order, however are encouraged to adhere to mass gathering and social distancing recommendations

Earlier this week, Cooper vetoed a state house bill that would have allowed gyms, fitness centers and other exercise facilities to reopen.

More detail about the new executive order may be found here.

RELATED:

• Mask Survey: 3 Out of 4 Say Masks Needed In NC COVID-19 Fight
• Charlotte Mayor Lobbies Governor For Statewide Mask Mandate
• Mask Mandate Under Consideration In North Carolina: Gov. Cooper