North Carolina's governor said he plans to end mandatory social distancing, capacity and gathering limits by June 1.

Gov. Roy Cooper said if at least two-thirds of adults in the state can get vaccinated, the state can loosen more of the capacity and gathering restrictions that have been in place for more than a year.

"With at least two-thirds of adults vaccinated, our public health experts believe we will have enough protection across our communities to be able to live more safely with this virus and begin to put this pandemic behind us," Cooper said Wednesday.  

What You Need To Know

  • The governor said he plans to lift most social distancing, capacity and gathering limits by June 1

  • North Carolina has had gathering and capacity limits for more than a year to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic

  • The mask mandate will remain until at least two-thirds of adults in the state are fully vaccinated

  • About 47% of adults in the state have gotten at least one vaccine shot

 

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen, who has led the state's public health response through the pandemic, said, "We can bring back summer to North Carolina."

"As we look forward to lifting most requirements in June, I will note that masks will still be important," she said. Masks will still be required where people gather indoors, she said.

But, Cohen and Cooper said, once two-thirds of adults in North Carolina are fully vaccinated, the governor could lift the mask mandates.

Cooper said he plans to issue a new executive order next week detailing restrictions for May.

The number of coronavirus cases in North Carolina has remained stable, though the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 has increased slightly, Cohen said.  

Venues with mass gatherings are still "high risk," Cohen said, and will continue to have some restrictions.

As of Wednesday, almost half of adults in North Carolina, 47%, have had at least one vaccine shot, according to DHHS data. About 36% of adults in the state are fully vaccinated.

"For our more vulnerable age 65 and older population, almost 77% have had at least one shot and more than 71% are fully vaccinated. That's great news," Cooper said.

Coronavirus vaccines are now available to anyone 16 and older in North Carolina. The vaccination campaign is moving from a phase where there weren't enough doses available to trying to convince people who are hesitant to get vaccines.

"The vaccine is safe and effective and free for everyone. There are many same-day appointments and walk-ins allowed. They are easy and everywhere," Cooper said.

"Vaccines are the key to moving us forward. To strengthening our economy. To making sure our children are on track for school now and in the fall. To hugging our loved ones safely. To saving lives," he said.