Gov. Cooper: New executive order tightens face covering requirements in N.C.; two more deaths and 173 new cases reported in Iredell County

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

FROM STAFF REPORTS

With the number of cases of COVID-19 continuing to increase rapidly across North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday called for stricter face covering requirements.

During a press briefing on Monday, Cooper discussed amendments to Executive Order 169. He said the new restrictions were necessary to “prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19.”

Executive Order No. 180 goes into effect on Wednesday, November 25, and runs through Friday, December 11.

“I have a stark warning for North Carolinians today: We are in danger,” Cooper said. “This is a pivotal moment in our fight against the coronavirus. Our actions now will determine the fate of many.”

Under the amended executive order:

♦ Face Coverings must be worn in all indoor public settings where other individuals may be present, regardless of one’s perceived ability to maintain physical distance of at least six feet; and

♦ Businesses must ensure their employees and guests wear face coverings at all times while on their premises, and deny entry to guests who do not wear face coverings, unless an exception to the requirement applies; and

♦ Face Coverings should continue to be worn outdoors when it is not possible to consistently be physically distant by at least six feet, from non-household members

According to the N.C. Department of Health & Human Services, there have been 339,194 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state. Some 5,039 deaths in North Carolina have been attributed to COVID-19.

Iredell County Update

Meanwhile, in Iredell County, local health officials reported the county’s 60th and 61st deaths attributed to COVID-19 on Monday afternoon.

The Iredell County Health Department also reported 173 new laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19, increasing the total of cases in the county to 5,380.

Some 1,027 people who have tested positive are currently isolating at home in Iredell, and 26 people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized in the county.

LEARN MORE

♦ The amended Executive Order can be seen HERE. 

♦ Read a Frequently Asked Questions document about the Order.