But while our numbers remain stable,
we're not seeing the decline in
metrics that we'd like to see.
This tells us that the pandemic is not over.
We are into our first hour of ease
mask mandates as Governor Roy Cooper
says our trends are doing better,
but they're still not where they want
them to be for the next 10 minutes.
We're going to dig into the newest
executive order and how it impacts you,
whether you're vaccinated or if you're not.
Let's begin with what is changing.
The biggest change is wearing
mask outside mask are no longer
required in outdoor settings,
but the state still recommends
you wear a mask outside if you're
in a crowded area or anywhere,
social distancing is hard.
Mask are still required inside though
another notable change more people
can gather the indoor mass gathering
limit has increased from 50 to 100
people and the outdoor is up to 200.
Maximum occupancy limits are still in place.
We spoke with people who say they
are ready for a sense of normalcy
will be nice for people
to be able to get out and
walk around without masks.
I'm ready to look people in the eye
and ready to smile at people you know.
Have conversation at think Mentale
people just kind of need to.
You know, get back to normal.
The changes will affect athletes
as well under this new order.
Professional and collegiate athletes
will not have to wear a mask inside
or outside during plays or workouts.
The exception to this rule is when
a player is on the sidelines or not
actively running, a drill or a play.
Changes also apply to younger kids who may be
playing outside during recess or gym class.
The new order says students should
still wear their mask during playtime.
If kids are inside the athlete,
an recess rules only apply
to athletes and kids.
If you are exercising inside,
you still need to wear your mask.
The only exceptions to this rule include
medical issues like trouble breathing
or if you get dizzy or lightheaded.
It also applies to athletes
wearing a mouth guard or a helmet,
or if the athlete is performing in a
way that the mask and get tangled or
block their eyesight like cheerleading,
gymnastics, or tumbling.
The exception also applies to activities
where the mask could get wet like swimming,
but again,
you still need to wear it if
you are exercising inside.
People who are not fully vaccinated should
still wear their face coverings outside if
they can't stay 6 feet apart from anyone.
If those people don't live in their house,
remember,
just because the mandates have been eased,
you can still get sick,
especially if you're not vaccinated.
Health leaders want you to take
precautions to protect yourself.
Being fully vaccinated means you are
two weeks out for your second dose.
That's the amount of time health
officials say it takes for our
bodies to produce antibodies
after getting the vaccine.
The governor's new orders followed the
CDC's new guidance on masks and outdoors.
President Joe Biden addressed
these changes earlier this week.
If you're in a crowd like a stadium,
murder conference or a concert.
You still need to wear a mask.
Even if you're outside,
the bottom line is clear.
If you're vaccinated,
you can do more things more safely,
both outdoors as well as indoors.
For so for those who haven't
gotten their vaccination yet,
especially if you're younger.
Or think you don't need it.
This is another great reason
to go get vaccinated now.
Now health leaders suggest anyone who is
not vaccinated, wear their mask when they're
around people who they don't live with.
People who are vaccinated can go without
their mask when they're outside or
with other fully vaccinated people.
But what if you're vaccinated and
someone you want to see is not?
Can you get them the virus
even if you aren't sick?
Health officials say it's possible. Our
sources to infectious disease
doctors Doctor Sarah George with
Saint Louis University School of
Medicine and Doctor Alex Lacasse with
SSM Health Saint Mary's Hospital.
Our question, is it true?
A fully vaccinated person can spread
COVID-19 to an UN vaccinated person.
Doctors say if you're vaccinated
and then significantly exposed
to a person sick with covid,
you can inhale the virus and
it could live in your nose.
That won't get you sick,
but it could make you a carrier.
Of the virus.
After that you will
leave that room an you go into
another room with somebody that has
not had the vaccine and you talk
loud and you cough once in awhile or
you sneeze again for that particular
version you just put them at risk.
Now because what's in your nose now
has been, you know, ERISA lcisd,
both doctors agree the chances of this
happening are low and Doctor George says
early studies out of Israel show the vaccine.
Should partially protect you from having
the virus replicates in your nose,
making you less likely to spread covid.
If you're vaccinated, you are at lower risk,
probably for transmitting to other people.
How much lower?
We just don't know yet,
but we can verify this is true.
There is a chance of fully
vaccinated person could spread
COVID-19 to a non vaccinated person.
Both doctors say that's why the CDC
guidelines says if you are around UN
vaccinated people you still need to
wear a mask and keep your distance.
I get it. This is a lot of information to
listen to when to wear the mask and whatnot,
so the CDC put together this helpful chart
to allow us to understand when we should
and we should not be wearing our mask.
Unvaccinated people can ditch the
mask if they're walking, running,
or biking outside with people who
they live with or if they're at a
small outdoor gathering with fully
vaccinated family and friends,
but any other time it is safer
to put your mask back on.
Fully vaccinated people have
a lot more leeway,
only needing their mask it crowded
outdoor events like a parade,
a concert or a sporting event.
But if you're inside,
no matter if you're vaccinated or not,
you still need your mask for now.
Here's another reason you may want to
keep your maskandi when you're outside,
even if you're fully vaccinated.
It could help your allergies.
The CDC says mask and also stop
us from inhaling allergens.
Doctor priest from Novant Health degrees.
This is a possibility.
The individuals
who wear a mask are going to be more
protective from 3 or grass or pollen.
Doctor Priest explains that mask have also
helped keep seasonal flu numbers down.
He says we've seen some of the
lowest flu numbers in awhile.
Mask are not foolproof, though,
and some smaller allergens could
still slip through the material.
So make sure you're still taking
your medicine's and washing your
mask to get rid of any pollen.
State leaders have said they want
2/3 of all adults to be vaccinated
by June 1st in order to ease
most of our mask restrictions.
But what's the significance of that number?
2/3. Doctor Mandy Cohen explains
how leaders reach that number.
We chose the
2/3 goal in consultation with
our public health experts and
really believe that with 2/3
at least partially vaccinated,
we know couple things first,
most folks have gotten their first
vaccine are on their way to getting
their 2nd 90% or more of folks who come
for their first shot get their second.
So that's how we landed
on partially vaccinated.
Doctor Cohen adds the 2/3 goal will
protect communities enough for us to
live with the virus safely at 2/3.
Goal is set for easing the mask,
mandates even more social distancing
capacity limits and math mass gatherings.
Restrictions could be a thing of
the past come June if we all do
our part for the next month to
help lower those covid numbers.
But Doctor Cohen says the mask mandate
won't change come June 1st if you're still
on the fence about getting the vaccine,
you may want to try talking to someone
you trust about your concerns.
You're going to hear more about restrictions,
and these mask mandates coming up
next on WFY News, two at 6.