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Health officials urge North Carolinians to 'vax up or mask up'

The CDC recommends that anyone who is not vaccinated continue to wear a mask in public indoor settings and outdoors when they cannot maintain social distance.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching a new public campaign encouraging North Carolinians to "vax up or mask up” to support the new guidance that lifts many of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions.

To date, nearly half of the state has been fully vaccinated and everyone age 12 and up can get the vaccine (YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov). But for those who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19, wearing a mask is essential to protect themselves and the people they love, NC DHHS said. The CDC recommends that anyone who is not vaccinated continue to wear a mask in public indoor settings and outdoors when they cannot maintain social distance.

RELATED: 'The more vaccines we have available, the better': Moderna shot may soon be approved for kids

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"For the past year, we have all been diligent about practicing the 3 Ws," Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., said. "These preventative measures helped us get to where we are today. We’re incredibly grateful to the community organizations and businesses who helped share the 3 Ws and made them their own. As we transition to this new phase of the pandemic and this new campaign, we must continue to protect one another as everyone makes the choice to 'vax up or mask up.'"

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