Based on data provided by the CDC, mask mandate effectiveness in preventing the spread of COVID-19 is less than 2%. 

“During March 1–December 31, 2020, state-issued mask mandates applied in 2,313 (73.6%) of the 3,142 U.S. counties. Mask mandates were associated with a 0.5 percentage point decrease (p = 0.02) in daily COVID-19 case growth rates 1–20 days after implementation and decreases of 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, and 1.8 percentage points 21–40, 41–60, 61–80, and 81–100 days, respectively, after implementation (p<0.01 for all) (Table 1) (Figure). Mask mandates were associated with a 0.7 percentage point decrease (p = 0.03) in daily COVID-19 death growth rates 1–20 days after implementation and decreases of 1.0, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.9 percentage points 21–40, 41–60, 61–80, and 81–100 days, respectively, after implementation (p<0.01 for all). Daily case and death growth rates before implementation of mask mandates were not statistically different from the reference period.”

Based on this new information, it would appear that a legal mandate requiring masks, shown to be less than 2% effective, is unnecessary and misleading. I would like to ask the North Carolina Governor and General Assembly to re-evaluate the state wide mask mandate for its necessity and importance. 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7010e3.htm