North Carolina updates mask guidelines in schools

RALEIGH — North Carolina health leaders laid out new guidelines when it comes to masks in schools.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services still recommends everyone wear masks in schools in counties with high or substantial COVID-19 transmission.

However, if a county’s transmission levels drop to moderate for seven consecutive days, the state now recommends only unvaccinated students and staff wear masks.

[COUNTY BY COUNTY: Local school districts’ mask, quarantine policies]

The state said masks should only be optional for everyone if transmission is low.

State health leaders stated: “When community transmission levels decline to moderate or low levels for at least seven consecutive days, school leaders can consider making face coverings optional for vaccinated individuals. Face coverings should continue to be required for all unvaccinated individuals until community transmission is at low levels, when mask could be optional for everyone.”

Gov. Roy Cooper will give a COVID-19 update on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

>> You can watch that update LIVE on Channel 9 or wherever you stream the WSOC news app.

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BOOSTER BREAKDOWN: When, where can you get a shot in North Carolina?

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