Statewide mask requirement takes effect Friday at 5pm
At 5 p.m., masks or face coverings will be required in North Carolina in public spaces and when social distancing isn't possible.
Posted — UpdatedPeople can wear medical masks or cloth face coverings, which can be handmade or store-bought. The face covering should cover the mouth and nose.
Exemptions from wearing a mask include:
- Children under 11
- While actively eating or drinking
- While in strenuous exercise
- Health reasons, such as trouble breathing
- Religious reasons
Children under two should not wear a mask.
If you don’t have a mask, other cloth coverings like scarfs, bandanas, T-shirts or towels can be used.
Benefits of masks
There is overwhelming evidence to suggest wearing a mask is the best way to protect oneself and others from contracting the virus.
One model from the University of Washington estimates that, by Oct. 1, more than 179,000 people in the U.S. will die because of COVID-19. But, if 95% of Americans wear masks, researchers estimate there could 34,000 fewer deaths.
Other states and countries have attributed a fall in cases to masks.
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