New Face Mask Guidance Issued For North Carolina Schools

NORTH CAROLINA — Students in North Carolina schools now have a reprieve from wearing face masks while outside during the school day, thanks to new guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

The loosening of North Carolina's school mask policy, however, only goes so far. State public health officials continue to recommend students — particularly younger ones who are not vaccinated — continue to wear masks outdoors in some situations.

As of May 5, students are not required to wear face coverings when they are outside for recess, when a teacher holds class outdoors, or when participating in an outdoor P.E. class, according to updated DHHS guidance for schools.

DHHS said it recommended all schools with students attending in-person classes, "have individuals who are not fully vaccinated wear face coverings outdoors when they cannot maintain at least 6ft social distancing from others. It is strongly recommended that all individuals (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) wear face coverings in crowded, dense outdoor areas and in outdoor situations in which social distancing is difficult or not possible."

Face coverings are still required for all students over the age of 5 and teachers inside school buildings whether or not they are six feet apart, when participating in indoor P.E. class or in any indoor class.

The change in policy for North Carolina schools comes days after Gov. Roy Cooper's new executive order lifting a statewide outdoor mask mandate went into effect. Masks will continue to be required while in indoor public spaces.

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