Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Thursday, July 29, that, although statewide mask mandates will still expire July 30 according to recent guidance, his administration is launching vaccination verification requirements for Cabinet agencies and a general campaign to pressure other government entities and private businesses toward similar vaccination requirements.
“This virus is now much more contagious and spreading fast, and it will find you if you’re not vaccinated,” Cooper stated to lead off his latest COVID-19 media briefing. Later asked if he would go as far as calling the unvaccinated “irresponsible,” he replied, “Yes, I would.”
Announced hastily after suddenly changing currents on masks and vaccination among federal health authorities and the Biden administration, many North Carolinians wondered if Thursday’s press conference would mark a quick return of recently eliminated mask mandates. That reversal did not come, as Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said, “People know what to do,” when it comes to masks.