NC Gov. Cooper has ‘mild’ case of COVID. Here’s who should get a booster shot, and when.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has tested positive for COVID-19, the second time he has publicly announced he had it.

“I tested positive for COVID today, but thankfully it’s mild and I’m feeling fine. I’m working remotely for the rest of the week and ready to be back out and about by the weekend,” Cooper said on social media Monday afternoon.

Cooper also tested positive for COVID-19 in June 2022, saying then it was also “mild,” The News & Observer previously reported.

The Democratic governor led the state’s coronavirus pandemic response with former N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, who is now the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She was recently chosen for the job by President Joe Biden.

North Carolina had a variety of pandemic restrictions, from closing schools and businesses to mask mandates. Nearly all statewide restrictions ended in July 2021, but Cooper did not end the state of emergency until August 2022. The federal government ended its own pandemic state of emergency earlier this year.

A new state law began in January that limits the powers of the North Carolina governor regarding the length of executive orders during states of emergency, with the Council of State and General Assembly needing to sign off on lengthy orders.

When to get a COVID booster

Cooper has been vaccinated against COVID-19 and received booster shots. and booster shots are recommended by N.C. DHHS if your most recent COVID-19 vaccine was:

▪ Two months ago if you have a compromised immune system.

▪ Four months ago if you are 65 years old and older.

▪ Before September 2022, for everyone.

Vaccines are available for those 6 months old and older.

Find vaccine information at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines.