As a testament to the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, North Carolina lifted its mass gathering, mask mandate and social distancing requirements for most settings this past Friday. The announcement followed new guidance from the Centers for Disese Control that fully vaccinated people can safely do most activities without face coverings or social distancing regardless of whether they are outdoors or indoors.
“ We can take this step today because the science shows our focus on getting people vaccinated is working,” said Gov. Roy Cooper in a press briefing. “But to keep moving forward- and to make sure we keep saving lives- more people need to get vaccinated.”
The announcement came slightly ahead of schedule and followed another CDC announcement that more people can get vaccines. Younger teens between 12 and 15 can now get the Pfizer vaccine.
Statewide, more than 7.7 million doses have been administered and 46% of adults are fully vaccinated.
In Swain County, fewer residents have sought the vaccine. The vaccination rate of adults has plateaued in the county. As of Tuesday morning, there were 3,455 county residents fully vaccinated, or 24.2% of the adult population. There were eight active cases of the virus over the past 14 days in the county.
“I am so proud of the incredible progress we have made in beating back this pandemic,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Vaccines continue to be incredibly effective at protecting individuals from this terrible virus. And as more and more people get vaccinated, the results show in our stable metrics with lower cases, lower hospitalizations, and lower deaths.”
The state will continue mask wearing in schools and childcare settings as well as camps since most children are yet to be vaccinated. It will also still be required in crowded places like public transportation and healthcare centers.
People who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing face coverings to protect themselves and others who are not vaccinated.
While not required, the state strongly recommends everyone still wear masks in crowded indoor events like sports games and concerts.
Swain County Health Department currently has 70 doses of the Moderna vaccine available, shared SCHD Director Alison Cochran on Tuesday morning. The department does not have the Pfizer vaccine. Those wishing to receive their first dose can stop by the health department.
Cochran said her staff has been advised to continue wearing masks while interacting with the public.
Where mask mandate lifted
The announcements from the CDC and the state haven’t affected an immediate change. In most public settings, it is still common to see people wearing the face covering particularly indoors. The statewide mandate leaves it up to businesses to continue to require masks if they choose to.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard Sneed took action Friday to ease restrictions and lift the mask mandate in most indoor settings on the boundary, with the exception of schools, child care, detention centers and transit services.
N.C. Chief Justice Paul Newby also responded quickly to the news last week, eliminated a statewide requirement for face coverings in court facilities. He left local courts the discretion to continue the requirement if they so choose.
Town of Bryson City
Swain County Commissioners took the subject up for discussion during its budget meeting on Tuesday.
Ingles did not respond to questions by press deadline but the locations in Bryson City seemed to still be requiring face coverings for staff and customers. National news reports stated that WalMart would no longer be requiring masks in its stores. Walgreens responded Wednesday afternoon, stating that it will no longer require face coverings for fully vaccinated customers. Those who are not vaccinated are asked to continue wearing face coverings in stores.
The majority of businesses in Bryson City were still requiring masks to be worn as of Tuesday afternoon.