Gov. Cooper Coronavirus Update, Face Masks No Longer Required Outdoors

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orange graphic COVID 19North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced today (April 28) face masks are no longer required outdoors, and mass gathering limits will increase to 100 people indoors and 200 outdoors beginning this Friday (April 30).

According to the governor’s office, “Under the new Executive Order, masks will still be required indoors but are no longer mandated outdoors.”

Ongoing, statewide business restrictions will remain in effect, at least until June 1. These include:

  • Retail shops, personal care businesses and museums can operate at full capacity.
  • Restaurants are limited to 75% capacity inside, but 100% outside. This includes breweries, wineries, amusement parks, gyms, and pools.
  • Bars and nightclubs, live performance venues, movie theaters, reception venues, conference centers, and sports arenas are limited to 50% capacity.

Last week, Cooper said many North Carolina pandemic restrictions, like capacity limits and social distancing requirements, could end June 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on April 27 updated its mask guidelines to say people who are fully vaccinated can safely resume attending small outdoor gatherings without wearing a mask.