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New Mask Mandate in NC
Masks now required inside
November 24, 2020

S
tarting Wednesday, masks will be required in more situations. As a result of rising COVID-19 cases, Governor Roy Cooper issued a new executive order on Monday that increased face covering requirements.

Executive order 180 will go into effect Wednesday, November 25 at 5p and stay in effect until at least 5p on Friday, December 11.

What does the new order say? Masks are required everywhere you’re not alone or not with your own family. The mandate is now enforceable for both businesses and individuals.

One thing that stayed the same – the mass gathering limits. Gatherings inside are still limited to 10 and outside gatherings are limited to 50 people.

vector drawing of outlines of people with masks on.
Summarized, executive order 180 says face coverings are:
•  required in all indoor settings if non-family members are present. This is true indoors, regardless of the distance between people. It is also true in cars, workplaces, or indoor social events where non-family members are present.
•  required in gyms when people are exercising. Even when using the equipment including bikes, treadmills, and machine. Individuals must assess their own abilities to exercise safely while wearing a mask.
required outside at events if not able to maintain 6 feet from non-family member.
required at all times in restaurants unless actively eating or drinking. Wear a mask when walking through the restaurant, leaving to go to the restroom, pay a bill, or picking up a to-go order.

Additionally:
• Retail businesses with more than 15,000 square feet of interior space must have workers at each public door enforcing the mask mandate and emergency maximum occupancy requirements. Retail businesses of any size can deny entry to anyone not wearing a mask.
• Customers can be denied entry if they refuse to wear a face covering on public transport, including taxis and ride-shares like Lyft and Uber.

The face covering order was previously enforceable only against businesses. It is now enforceable against individuals. Violating the order is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor, which could result in a fine up to $1,000 or active punishment.

vector drawing of outlines of people with masks on.
Exceptions to the order
These exceptions have not changed. Face coverings are not required:
• when alone indoors, outdoors, or at work.
• for children under 5.
• if the mask is impeding vision while driving or operating equipment.
• if a person has any medical or behavioral condition or disability.
• is actively eating or drinking.
• is strenuously exercising.
• is trying to communicate with someone hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible.
• is giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience.
• is working at home or is in a personal vehicle.
• is temporarily removing his or her mask to secure government or medical services or for identification purposes.
• would be at risk from wearing a face covering at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines.
• is a child who parent, guardian, or responsible person has been unable to place the mask safely on the child’s face.

Related Links
• Executive Order 180 – Face Covering Requirements
• Executive Order 180 – Frequently Asked Questions

Posted Tuesday November 24, 2020 by Allison DeWeese


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