Northam said at a news conference Tuesday that he's ordering masks be worn starting Friday inside all retail stores, while using public transportation, and in any other indoor places where people congregate.
Face mask company started by Raleigh teens on track to sell 'tens of thousands' in first month
Northam joins governors in several other states, including neighboring Maryland, who have issued similar requirements.
Why restaurant workers wearing masks is not part of county health inspections
Northam's mask order will be largely voluntary, as the governor said he's not going to allow any criminal prosecutions of anyone not complying.