Masks becoming optional for majority of state agencies, facilities on March 7

Masks will become optional starting March 7 for most state agencies and facilities.

The State Office of Human Resources updated policies for face coverings for state government agencies that are part of Gov. Roy Cooper's cabinet. In a statement, officials said the updated policy for masks coincides with updated guidance from state health officials.

"COVID-19 levels are declining rapidly, and we have vaccinations, boosters and effective treatments that are making this step possible," Cooper said in a statement on Tuesday.

But, state agency heads can still require masks in settings they determine to be high risk, including long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and health care facilities.

"This virus is still causing serious illness and death mostly in unvaccinated people and the best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated and boosted," said Cooper.

Those who have not been vaccinated must be tested for coronavirus at least once a week. Officials said starting March 7, employees can use at-home rapid antigen tests to meet the testing requirements in addition to getting a PCR test.