Well, we're here: This will go down in North Carolina history as the day Gov. Cooper lifted the state's mask mandate, capacity restrictions and social distancing requirements.

• The news comes one day after the CDC said that fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear masks, Axios' Katie Peralta Soloff reports.

Why it matters: That light that's been at the end of the tunnel for months? Put on your sunglasses. We're almost there.

• COVID-19 cases are decreasing.
• Hospitalizations are stable.
• Vaccinations continue, albeit at a slower pace than a few weeks ago.

Details: The state still has "strong recommendations" for unvaccinated people to wear masks, Cooper said at a press conference today. And masks will still be required in places such as schools, health care settings, public transportation and daycares.

• Plus: Businesses such as restaurants, event venues and bars can still enact their own mask requirements.

By the numbers: 46% of adults in North Carolina are fully vaccinated; a little more than half have received at least a first shot. Herd immunity — or 70%+ vaccinated — remains far from reach.

• "Today is a great day," Cooper said. "But the work is not yet done and people getting vaccinated will get it done."

Our thought bubble: I was sitting in Common Market when Cooper made his announcement, and watched as an employee swiftly took down the "masks required" sign and threw it in the trash. It was quite a sight.

Full Axios story: North Carolina lifts indoor mask mandate and social distancing requirements

America is finally winning its fight against the coronavirus, Axios' Sam Baker writes alongside this delightful chart.

The big picture: "For the first time in a long time, nobody needs to cherry-pick some misleading data to make it seem like things are going well, and the good news doesn’t need an endless list of caveats, either. It's just really good news. We're winning. Be happy."

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What a year. This time last May, city officials were concerned that folks weren't taking the pandemic seriously enough.

• At the time, masks were just a recommendation, and usage was mixed. The statewide mandate didn't come until late June.
• County manager Dena Diorio recalled a trip to the mall where masks were scant.
• Some threatened to boycott Costco for requiring masks. (Where were those folks this week when we needed 'em? ⛽️)

What's next: I wonder what we'll say about this newsletter in one year.