Governor Roy Cooper announces that NC will stay in Phase II for another three weeks (until July 17) and will require face coverings in indoor and outdoor facilities where six-feet social distancing cannot be done.

“It’s clear that our numbers will keep us from moving ahead into the next phase of easing restrictions. So today, I’m announcing that North Carolina will pause and continue our Safer At Home Phase 2 for another three weeks.”

What else is coming with the Phase 2 extension?

Mandatory face coverings.

• People must wear face coverings when in public places, indoors or outdoors, where physical distancing of 6 feet from other people who aren’t in the same household or residence isn’t possible.
• They will be required for all employees and customers of retail businesses and restaurants as well as workers in manufacturing, construction, meat processing, and agriculture settings.
• There are exceptions including people with medical conditions and children under 11, people who are at home, and people who are walking or otherwise exercising outside when not within six feet of others.
• The Governor’s mask mandate will encourage retail stores, supermarkets, construction sites, manufacturing plants, meat processing facilities, personal care businesses, and restaurants to mandate that all employees–and their customers–are wearing a face covering.

Read more about it here.