As of today (April 30), the state of North Carolina will lift the outdoor mask mandate, but indoor masks are still required in the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Roy Cooper said in an April 28 press briefing that the state’s metrics and key indicators remain stable that masks are still strongly recommended outdoors by N.C. Department of Health & Human Services in crowded areas and higher risk settings where social distancing is difficult.
The new capacity for indoor gatherings increases to 100 people, and to 200 people for outdoor gatherings.
A new executive order also relaxes parts of North Carolina’s mask mandate that has been in effect since last year. While masks are still required indoors, they no longer will be required outside, though they are still “strongly recommended” for crowded areas where social distancing isn’t possible.
Hyde County ranks among the top counties in the state for percentage of population vaccinated, said Misty Gibbs, Hyde County preparedness coordinator, with 48.2% of residents receiving first doses and 38.5% fully vaccinated.
Cooper said if at least two thirds of North Carolinian’s get vaccinated, more restrictions can be lifted. At this point, 39.2% percent of those 18 and up have been fully vaccinated. The free vaccines are now available in pharmacies and doctors’ offices.
“We have more work to do to beat back this pandemic,” Cooper said. “Let’s work hard in May and get as many people vaccinated as we can before summer gets here.”
The Hyde County Health Department announced today (April 30) that COVID-19 cases are going down again. The current numbers are listed below and there are no noticeable trends.
- Total cases 681
- Active 5
- Recovered 668
- Deaths 8
The Ocracoke Health Center has vaccines. Call them at 252-489-3622 to schedule an appointment, or the Hyde County Health Department on the mainland at 252-926-4200.
