On November 23rd, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 180, the objective of which is to improve compliance with those mitigation measures most critical to curbing the spread of COVID-19: mask wearing and social distancing. The Order augments the statewide face covering mandate, making it clear that everyone (over the age of 5) must wear a mask covering the nose and the mouth whenever they are near another person who does not live in their household. Moreover, it clarifies that masks are to be worn in public indoor spaces even when maintaining 6 feet of distance. The Order also bolsters social distancing efforts by requiring large retail businesses to dedicate an employee to guarding entrances, ensuring mask wearing by patrons and employees, and enforcing occupancy limits.
No Deerfield policies will change as a result of this newest Executive Order. In fact, this only strengthens what is already a standing Deerfield policy, one irrefutably vital to our community’s ongoing COVID-19 mitigation efforts: By residents, employees, contractors, and visitors alike, well-fitting masks covering the mouth and the nose are required to be worn in all public indoor spaces on Deerfield’s campus even if 6 feet of social distancing between individuals can be maintained.