Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the State of North Carolina has removed its indoor mask mandate for most settings, effective at 1:30 p.m. per Executive Order 215.
In response, Sanford Mayor Chet Mann has rescinded the declaration of a state of emergency and mask order issued on November 25, 2020 for the City of Sanford. The declaration was issued to reinforce the provisions of Governor Cooper’s previous executive orders to protect public health, safety, and welfare of all Sanford residents.
Executive Order 215 acts on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that vaccinated people can assemble without the need for wearing face coverings, except in settings such as schools and healthcare facilities.
The order also lifts all mass gathering limits and social distancing requirements in all settings.
Despite lifting these requirements, the NC Department of Health and Human Services reminds people who are not vaccinated to wear a mask and maintain distance in settings where they cannot maintain six feet of distance.
Masks are also strongly recommended for everyone at large crowded indoor events like sporting events and live performances.
“It is with great joy that we lift the state of emergency and local mask mandate. This is a big day for us. We are on our way back,” says Mayor Mann, who rescinded the order as of 6:00 p.m. “Please use your best judgement in getting vaccinated, follow the governor’s order, and enjoy not wearing a mask except where still outlined.”
For more information, resources, and guidance, visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website. Read Executive Order 215 and its accompanying guidance document here.