Gov. Cooper Issues Executive Order 180 that Further Tightens Face Mask Mandate and Enforcement
On November 23, Governor Roy Cooper issued additional COVID-19 safety measures to tighten mask requirements and enforcement. Executive Order No. 180 goes into effect on Wednesday, November 25 and runs through Friday, December 11.
In addition to extending Phase 3 capacity limits and safety requirements, the Order tightens the existing statewide mask requirement – making it clear that everyone needs to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who is not from the same household. The Order also adds the mask requirement to several additional settings including any public indoor space even when maintaining 6 feet of distance; gyms even when exercising; all schools public and private; and all public or private transportation when travelling with people outside of the household.
Specifically, the order means that, among some other changes, face masks must "be worn indoors if anyone else is in that space who is not a member of the same household," regardless of physical distance.
It also now means that residents are required to wear masks even while exercising, if within 6 feet of another person outside their household or indoors.
The order authorizes law enforcement to enforce the mask mandate and puts the legal liability on both residents and business owners. To read Executive Order 180, click here.