State of emergency remains in place in NC

"We are seeing tremendous improvement with fewer cases, hospitalizations, deaths and safety restrictions, but this is no time to hang up a 'Mission Accomplished' banner in our fight against the pandemic,” Cooper said in a statement. “We are laser focused on getting more shots in arms, boosting our economy and protecting unvaccinated people from the virus."

The executive order he issued Friday runs through July 30 but doesn't include any new restrictions. It does extend the state moratorium on evictions and flexibility with unemployment insurance.

Republican lawmakers sent a letter to Cooper this week pressing for the end of the state of emergency, noting that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster rescinded his state of emergency order on Monday and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam plans to let his state's expire at the end of this month.

"There seems to be no urgency or plan to end the state of emergency. We believe this is unsatisfactory," the letter from House Majority Leader John Bell and Deputy Majority Whip Keith Kidwell said. "The people of North Carolina have worked extremely hard to follow and adhere to social distancing guidelines and restrictions. They deserve more information and transparency in this process."

Cooper said in his statement that the state of emergency provides easier access to federal funding and allows "critical regulatory flexibility" for the state Department of Health and Human Services to increase the number of people authorized to administer vaccines and virus tests and for the movement of COVID-19 patients in rehab and other facilities.

Under the state of emergency, he said, DHHS continues to allow temporary additional flexibility for telehealth opportunities and for out-of-state licensed workers to practice in North Carolina and for retired health care professionals, students in training and skilled volunteers to provide care.

State Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger told WRAL News that he doesn't support the governor's move.

"I don't see that there is a continuing need for there to be an executive order that mandates masks at any place in the state of North Carolina," said Berger, R-Rockingham. "I think individuals can make decisions as to whether they want to wear a mask or not."

Although Cooper lifted the statewide mask mandate last month, his new order says masks must continue to be worn at schools and day care centers, in health care settings and on public transportation.

Berger did praise the governor's efforts to get more people vaccinated, including the idea of a lottery.