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Mask mandate lifted, but some businesses will keep it, confusing shoppers, diners, employees

On Friday afternoon, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that the state would drop its mask mandate in most places. It's up to each business on whether or not they will keep their mask mandate.

Posted Updated

By
Joe Fisher & Sarah Krueger
, WRAL reporters
RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper announced that the state would drop its mask mandate in most places on Friday. It's up to each business on whether or not they will keep their mask requirement.

After the governor's announcement, O2 Fitness in Raleigh dropped their pandemic restrictions. This comes as welcome news to gym members like Emily Van Schagen.

"I definitely feel like because I am vaccinated and there are not too many people around I feel safe and comfortable working out without it on," she said.

At O2 Fitness, all vaccinated members and staff can ditch the mask. But unvaccinated people will be asked to keep them on.

O2 fitness has had no cases of community spread across 16 North Carolina locations, according to Doug Warf, owner of one location in Raleigh. Wharf also said that many people have stopped coming to the gym due to the mask mandate.

Warf believes working out without a mask will be safe.

"[I do believe it will be safe] only because we are doing it in other states and we are watching it in other states," he said. "If I didn’t have that science and research to lean back on then I would be nervous about it but we have seen it operate safely in other states with less restrictions than we will likely have here in North Carolina.”

YMCA of the Triangle also announced they would be dropping their mask requirement on Friday. The YMCA has also asked that individuals who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing masks.

Cooper said state health officials will still encourage unvaccinated people to mask up. But as of now, businesses have no way to check who is vaccinated and who isn't.

Lynn Minges, president of NC's Restaurant and Lodging Association, said Friday's announcement was good news for business owners.This year has been tough on the restaurant industry, and we've had to say goodbye to many local restaurants.

"It's been a long 14 months we've struggled through," she said.

Minges said many businesses will likely still encourage their employees to wear masks. Most likely larger brands, like McDonald's, will still require masks.

"I don't think we are going to see a total easing of things today," she said.

Leo Williams, owner of Zweli's Kitchen, said even with the state mask mandate gone, he's not making any changes in his restaurant.

"We are planning to keep our same policy in place. Mask required for entry," Williams said. "Keep your mask on until you’re seated, and you can then remove your mask."

Williams said he'll think about dropping the mask mandate only when there's a way to verify if someone is vaccinated.

"We have to ensure that we are keeping everyone safe first," he said.

Not all businesses have decided on what to do about masks yet.

"The reality is there are still a lot of customers who don't feel safe," Dorian Bolden, owner of the Beyu Cafe, said.

But some restaurant owners feel more comfortable with dropping their mask requirement. Element Gastropub in downtown Raleigh is going to follow the governor's lead and stop requiring masks.

"We follow what the governor says, to a T," Carey Kidd said. "If the governor says it’s okay, he’s following the science, then we’re going to believe the governor’s word."

As of Friday, more than 50% of adults in North Carolina have got first shot. Nearly 4 million people of all ages are fully vaccinated across the state.

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