Governor Ends Almost All Restrictions & Mask Mandate
On Friday May 14th, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 215 which ends most all COVID-19 restrictions by lifting the mask mandate both indoors and outdoors as well as all distancing and capacity restrictions, effective immediately, in almost all setting except schools, daycare, day or overnight camps, prisons, transportation, and medical facilities. Mask use is still strongly recommended indoors for all those who are not fully vaccinated and for everyone at large gatherings such as live performances, regardless of vaccine status and especially for events held indoors. The order specifically states that private businesses (including nonprofits and public buildings) may still require face coverings.
The lifting of restrictions means that arts organizations and businesses may now set their own restrictions for volunteers, employees, and patrons. Arts businesses and nonprofits:
- Can still require face coverings be worn by employees and/or guests.
- Can still require social distancing by employees and/or guests.
- Can still set capacity limits or assign seating at their own discretion.
- Can still require COVID-19 vaccination for employees and/or volunteers.
- Day and overnight camps for children MUST still REQUIRE masks.