On April 28, Gov. Cooper issued a new Executive Order -209 that relaxes mask wearing and other restrictions.  Under the new Executive Order, masks will still be required indoors but are no longer mandated outdoors. However, masks are still strongly recommended outdoors in crowded areas and higher risk settings where social distancing is difficult.  In addition, limits on mass gatherings will increase to 100 people indoors and 200 outdoors.

Executive Order No. 209 will take effect April 30 and is set to expire June 1. As more North Carolinians get vaccinated and adhere to safety protocols over the course of the next month, the state anticipates lifting more restrictions on June 1.  Cooper says the next goal is for two-thirds of adults to be vaccinated. At that point, state health leaders believe the mask mandate could be lifted.

For more details, read the press release which includes a link to the Executive Order 209 and FAQs.