Upcoming Changes to Mask Guidance Effective March 7, 2022

As we emerge from the latest surge, the COVID-19 landscape looks different today than it did two years ago or even two months ago. NCDHHS has continued to adapt its response to the pandemic based on the emerging science and evidence to best protect North Carolinians. We are learning more about the virus and now have a wider array of effective tools to reduce risk to people.  

Vaccines and boosters are widely available and help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. 

Treatment is available for those at higher risk of severe disease. 

Trends are decreasing, lowering the risk of infection, and improving hospital capacity. 

Our goal is to use the tools we have to get back to the people, experiences, and places we love. Therefore, Governor Cooper and Secretary Kinsley announced that if our trends continue to improve, we will update our guidance on March 7, 2022 to focus on the most effective tools to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and to protect those at highest risk of severe illness. As we move forward, we will remain vigilant and respond to changes in the virus so that we are best positioned to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and provide focused support for those most at risk of severe disease and death. 

We are announcing this now so that people have time to get prepared and get up to date with their COVID-19 vaccine and booster. The guidance below is effective March 7, 2022.

Individuals 

  • Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and booster.  
  • Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and stay away from others if you are sick or test positive, following isolation guidance. 
  • Get treatment early if you are at risk for severe illness. 
  • Wear a mask if you are at high risk for severe illness or if you want an added layer of protection. 
  • Wear a mask if you have a COVID infection or exposure. 
  • Wear a mask if you are not up-to-date on your vaccines.

High-Risk Settings (e.g., long term care, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, health care settings)  

  • Provide vaccines and boosters to residents and staff.  
  • Provide testing to residents and staff. 
  • Connect those who are at high-risk for severe illness to treatment. 
  • Follow all CDC guidance, including recommendations for masking. 

Schools 

  • Promote vaccination for students and staff. 
  • Participate in the School Testing Program. 
  • Consider moving to voluntary masking, at the discretion of local authorities, as universal masking is a less important tool in lower risk settings like schools. 

Child Care

  • Promote vaccination for students and staff. 
  • Consider moving to voluntary masking, at the discretion of local authorities, as universal masking is a less important tool in lower risk settings like childcare.

Business  

  • Promote and/or require vaccination for staff and customers. 
  • Can require masking of staff and patrons at their discretion.  

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and your efforts to keep North Carolinians and our communities safe throughout the pandemic.