Here's what the latest NC mask rules mean
On Monday, Nov. 23, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Executive Order 180, effective starting Wednesday. Here is all you need to know about what it is, and how it affects you and your family.
Why is the governor making a change?
Gov. Roy Cooper and North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen cited the rising percentage of visits to hospital emergency departments, the upward trend in the number of new cases of the coronavirus and overall hospital capacity in asking North Carolinians to take seriously the guidance to wear a face coverage, stay six feet apart and practice regular handwashing.
On Nov. 23, more than 2,500 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state.
Total COVID-19 cases, deaths by zip code
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The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services began releasing zip code-level data on cases and deaths on May 1. Search by zip code to find the rates of cases and deaths for your area. Aggregate counts are based on where patients live. DHHS has supressed counts for some zip codes with populations of less than 500 and cases less than five due to privacy concerns. Population estimates for each zip code, included in the state's data, were calculated by Esri Inc. through a state contract. Due to differences in zip code geographies used in a new version of the state's dashboard launched May 20, some case and deaths counts here may differ slightly from that new dashboard. To stay consistent, WRAL is using state data originally published May 1 and updated by DHHS daily through its ArcGIS site. NOTE: As of Sept. 28, the data on this map includes cases and deaths identified both through PCR and antigen tests.
Source: N.C. DHHS
Graphic: Tyler Dukes, WRAL // Get the data
The county-by-county map of coronavirus impact showed 20 counties with a critical rate of cases per 100,000 and 42 with a substantial rate of case growth.
When does the executive order go into effect? How long is it supposed to last?
The new executive order will be in effect from Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. to Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.
What do I have to do under the executive order?
The executive order mainly deals with face masks and where people have to wear them. They are now a requirement, to be worn wherever you will be around someone you don't live with.
What does this executive order change for me?
The governor said, “Everyone needs to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who is not from the same household.” He means it.
Those going to businesses, restaurants, in-person schools and fitness centers all have to wear face masks, and the same goes for being in vehicles or at other people's houses that aren't yours. Bottom line: If you are going to be around other people you don't live with, you have to wear a mask.
Does this executive order change anything for my business?
If your business provides COVID-19 testing or advertising for testing, the order prohibits any restrictions that would prevent you from doing so. This is to make sure that as much testing is occurring as possible.
Businesses also have to follow and enforce face mask requirements for employees and customers.
Can I be exempt from the executive order?
There are several exceptions to the face mask requirements. These include those that should not wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability, children under 5 and people eating or drinking. A full list of these exemptions can be found here.
What happens if I break the executive order?
You may not be allowed to enter stores and other businesses.
Also, the state has been asking for more local enforcement. The City of Greensboro planned fines and business closures for those who repeatedly violate the order. Other counties and municipalities may impose other penalties.
Can I be denied entry from a business if I don’t have a face mask?
Yes, you can. All businesses more than 15,000 square feet have to have one employee at each entrance. These employees, who under the order are required to be masked, will enforce the executive order and turn away all customers who are not wearing a mask. Businesses under 15,000 square feet do not apply.
If I need to get tested for Covid-19 over the next several days, where can I do it?
Wake County had two main public testing sites.
Radeas Labs, at 907 Gateway Commons Circle, in Wake Forest, is open Nov. 24, 25, 27 and 28 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tests are available at the Sunnybrook Parking Deck, 2925 Holston Lane in Raleigh, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 24, 27 and 28.
