NC COVID-19 Updates

North Carolina’s COVID-19 trends continue moving in the right direction. Hospitalizations are down and people across the state continue to choose the best way to protect themselves, by staying up to date with their vaccines. Meanwhile, access to testing is widespread and treatment options continue to increase. We have worked hard together to get here, and this is the right time to shift our approach to combating COVID-19.

As forecasted last month, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) no longer recommends universal masking in lower-risk settings such as school or childcare settings. Individuals may still choose to wear a mask for an added layer of protection depending on their personal situation, including if they were recently exposed to COVID-19 or are unvaccinated. Consistent with this shift, NCDHHS has updated our guidance for individuals, schools, childcare settings, businesses, and high-risk settings such as health care and correctional facilities.  

Starting March 7, all NCDHHS offices, except for our state-operated healthcare facilities, shifted to mask-optional for staff and customers, while continuing to encourage all staff get vaccinated and boosted.

The most effective tools we have at the current stage in the pandemic are vaccines and boosters. People should get tested if they are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19. Everyone 5 and older should still get a COVID-19 vaccine and everyone 12 and older should get a booster as soon as they are eligible. It’s not too late to vaccinate and protect yourself from severe illness from COVID-19. Learn more at myspot.nc.gov. FREE vaccines are still available at the Lake Lure Ingles Pharmacy. Please visit Ingles Pharmacy Vaccinations for additional information. 

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