Go Ask Mom

With mask rules lifted, some libraries, indoor activity centers, other family destinations make changes

After Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday lifted the state's mask and social distancing rules, family destinations across the Triangle are making or contemplating changes to their mask rules.

Posted Updated
Galaxy Fun Park opens Sept. 23
By
Sarah Lindenfeld Hall
, Go Ask Mom editor

After Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday lifted the state's mask and social distancing rules, family destinations across the Triangle are making or contemplating changes to their mask rules.

Cooper's announcement came a day after updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that said that those who have gotten the COVID vaccine can take off their masks. That prompted some stores and other businesses to lift their mask rules for vaccinated customers.
The CDC and state officials, however, continue to urge people who are not vaccinated to wear masks. And most children, of course, are not fully vaccinated because there is no vaccine approved for their use yet. The Pfizer vaccine was only approved for use in kids ages 12 to 15 last week. And it's important to note that masks are still required for children at summer camps, in childcare and in public schools, according to Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

The announcements came quickly. Here's what we know so far:

Marbles Kids Museum

The Raleigh museum issued this statement on Tuesday: "Masks are still required at Marbles Kids Museum and IMAX based on state guidelines for children's settings. We continue to require masks for the health and safety of children."

North Carolina Zoo

The zoo in Asheboro has updated its rules to now say that face coverings and social distancing are recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated. They are required at the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck. Details are on the zoo's website.

Wake County parks and libraries

Masks are no longer required at parks and libraries for vaccinated people, according to county staff. Libraries will no longer be conducting temperature checks at the entrance. Staff may continue wearing masks if they choose. At the libraries, the county also is lifting the request that people limit their time inside the libraries. There will no longer be a time limit. Indoor spaces at the county's parks remain closed, but staff is working on reopening plans.

Museum of Life and Science

The Durham museum issued this announcement on Friday evening: "On Friday, May 14, Governor Cooper issued an executive order that lifted most physical distancing rules, mask requirements, and capacity limits statewide. So what does it mean for the museum? The safety of our guests, team members and animals continues to be our top priority. So as we evaluate and assess our options, our existing mask and physical distancing rules, capacity limits, and timed-entry requirements will remain unchanged. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding as we review the latest guidance from the CDC, North Carolina, and local health officials to determine the best next steps."

Kidzu Children's Museum

"Since children make up such a large portion of our audience and cannot be vaccinated yet, we have decided to keep our current mask policy in effect for the time being," Darien Cropper, program and camp coordinator at the Chapel Hill museum, tells me. "All visitors ages 5 and older are required to wear masks and all campers, regardless of age, will be required to wear masks at our summer camps this year. We made this decision to ensure both the safety and comfort of all of our visitors and staff."

North Carolina's natural sciences, history and art museums

According to statements from the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, N.C. Museum of Art and N.C. Museum of History, "in compliance with Executive Order 215, face masks are no longer required for visitors in most settings outdoors or indoors at the [museums]. We strongly encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated for COVID-19 to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing while visiting."

Cary parks

Effective last week, masks are no longer required outside at our parks, ballfields, playgrounds and courts. But stay tuned for updates to the town's staffed park facilities, which are currently closed to the public. The town will be making an official announcement in the next few weeks about staffed facilities, which will include updated safety protocols. Those details are still under discussion, given Cooper's most recent announcement.

Galaxy Fun Park

Starting Friday, masks are optional at the Wake Forest indoor playground, according to its Facebook page.

Defy Gravity

Masks are now optional at the indoor trampoline park, according to its Facebook page.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.