RALEIGH, N.C. — Governor Roy Cooper said on Tuesday that North Carolina will enter Phase 2.5 of reopening.
“After a summer of hard work, we’ve seen North Carolina’s key indicators for COVID-19 remain stable, or even decrease in some instances. Our pause in Phase 2 was necessary as students returned to school and college campuses,” Cooper said during a news conference with the Coronavirus Task Force.
NC entered Phase 1 on Friday, May 8.
In phase one:
- Most businesses could reopen
- Retail businesses reopened at 50% capacity with frequent cleaning and social distancing
- Parks and trails were encouraged to reopen
- Certain businesses (gyms, salons, bars, theaters, etc.) remain closed
- Restaurants continued to be take out and delivery only
- Gatherings were still limited to 10 people, but gatherings with friends outdoors were allowed
- Employers were still encouraged to telework when possible
- Childcare centers that followed strict cleaning requirements opened for working parents or those looking for work
- Worship services of more than 10 people were allowed outdoors if socially distanced
North Carolina entered Phase 2 of reopening on Friday, May 22.
The state-wide stay-at-home order went into effect on March 30. It was initially to be in effect for 30 days, but was extended until May 8, at which point the state entered Phase 1.
During a news conference on Aug. 5, Cooper said North Carolina will stay in Phase 2 for five weeks.
Under Phase 2:
- Gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors
- Retail stores that cleaning and social distancing are open at 50% capacity
- Salons are open at 50% capacity
- Working from home is encouraged
- Bars and nightclubs are closed
- Gyms are closed
- Movie theaters are closed
- Bowling alleys are closed
- Indoor music venues and skating rinks are closed
- Museums are closed
- Arenas and stadiums are closed
- Pools are open with restrictions
- Long-term care visitation is not allowed
In North Carolina, about 946 people are currently hospitalized with the coronavirus, as of 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
The state reported that 6,371 hospital beds are currently available and staffed. 14,176 are in use. 4,929 are either unreported or unstaffed.
There have been 2,295,698 coronavirus tests completed. NCDHHS reports that 6.7% of those tests have been positive.
The cumulative number of coronavirus cases in North Carolina is at least 169,424, and 2,741 people have died.
NC health officials reported 48 deaths on Aug. 18, which is the highest single-day death toll. The previous daily increase record was 45 and was set on July 29 and Aug. 12.
As of Monday, Aug. 31, there have been 145,884 people in North Carolina who have recovered (note: this number is updated every Monday afternoon).
Close to 35% of all the confirmed positive COVID-19 cases reported over the past five months in NC were reported in July.
From the beginning of March to the end of June, NC health officials reported 64,670 total COVID-19 cases. Throughout July, NC saw a rise of 57,478 cases.
Gov. Cooper on Monday signed an executive order to extend the 11 p.m. alcohol curfew through September, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
The full statement is provided below:
“In an effort to continue slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 162 to extend the limited hours on the sale of alcoholic drinks in North Carolina. As the state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19, the Order requires restaurants to end the sale of alcoholic beverages at 11 pm. This Order will remain in effect through October 2, 2020.
“North Carolina has made good progress stabilizing our COVID-19 numbers, and this order will help us continue it,” said Governor Cooper. “Now is the time to continue staying cautious and vigilant as we work to beat this pandemic.”
Local governments that have implemented orders that end alcohol sales before 11 pm or that apply to other entities remain in effect.”
Source: Fox 8 News Channel
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