
Cooper finally signals end to face cover mandate
By Theresa Opeka
RALEIGH – Gov. Roy Cooper, on Thursday, Feb.17, called for an end to local mask mandates for schools and local governments, though state lawmakers are seemingly forcing his hand.
Cooper, a Democrat, cited declining COVID-19 cases, vaccines and boosters, expanded testing, available PPE, and treatments. Kody Kinsley, state health secretary, echoed Cooper’s comments in a news conference Thursday. If trends continue to improve, starting March 7 schools and other low-risks settings can consider moving to voluntary maskin…