On May 13, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance that suggested fully vaccinated individuals can “safely do most activities without wearing a mask or the need to social distance from others.” In accordance with this guidance, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper lifted remaining COVID-19 restrictions on May 14, including the mandate that required a mask in most indoor settings. Social-distancing requirements have also been lifted, as well as mass gathering limits. The move garnered a lot of attention from North Carolinians.
At Northwood, students are still required to wear a mask and keep 3-feet of social distancing. Many students who wish to get the vaccine have not had the opportunity to get it yet, so regulations will remain in place at least for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year. Though mask requirements remain in place in some locations, like school and individual businesses, some students are unhappy with the mask mandate being lifted.
“I don’t like it,” sophomore Autumn Sehulster said. “I believe there are exceptions, but in stores and other places I would not trust [that it’s safe to not wear a mask]. Even though I have both of my vaccinations, I wouldn’t want to carry [the virus] around and possibly give it to other people. However, I won’t judge anyone around me for not wearing a mask; it’s just my preference to wear one in stores and groups.”
Another sophomore, Henry Van Gils, also wishes the mask mandate had not been lifted.
“The reason you wear masks in the first place is to stop the spread [of Coronavirus],” Van Gils said. “I don’t like the message being sent. In my opinion, to stop making people wear masks is giving the impression that you aren’t giving accurate information.”
Although some are not satisfied with the lifting of COVID-10 restrictions, others are content with the governor’s action.
“I am fairly indifferent to the mask mandate [being lifted],” freshman Luiz Ziemke said. “I don’t feel that safe without a vaccine, but I think things will be fine.”
Other students are happy that the mask mandate will be a thing of the past.
“I’m glad the mandate is being lifted because it’s easier to socialize and learn people’s names,” sophomore Brayden Spradley said. “I’m a very social person, so that’s why I like it.”
The CDC guidance regarding masks only holds true for individuals that are fully vaccinated, but the lifting of Coronavirus restrictions applies to all North Carolinians- vaccinated or not. Currently, 52% of those over 18 in North Carolina have been fully vaccinated. Governor Cooper wants that number to continue rising.
“We can take this step today because the science shows our focus on getting people vaccinated is working,” said Governor Cooper. “But to keep moving forward – and to make sure that we keep saving lives – more people need to get vaccinated.”
Photo by Ethan Westmoreland.
