Charlotte-area hospitals to end universal mask mandate after declining COVID cases

After a steady decline in COVID-19 cases since the start of the year, masks will no longer be required at Charlotte-area hospitals, health systems announced on Monday. The decision, which goes into effect Tuesday at 7 a.m. and includes most healthcare facilities, will affect Atrium Health, Novant Health, CaroMont Health, Cone Health and Randolph Health systems, a joint news release indicated. In a statement, Atrium Health cited the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and “community habits returning to pre-pandemic levels” as reasons for ending the mask requirement. “The decision to make...