North Carolina’s Covid-19 trends are stabilizing. It’s good news, according to state health officials – and it’s directly correlated with the statewide mask mandate.
WHQR has details on a new Executive Order effective Friday, July 31st.
"Stable is good but decreasing is better."
Three of the four coronavirus metrics are either leveling off or ticking down in North Carolina. The only number going up – hospitalizations -- is a lagging indicator, and Governor Roy Cooper says the current data shows masks and social distancing measures are working.
But because new cases are rising in the 25-49 age range, and college students are coming to the state for the start of the academic year, Governor Cooper is announcing a statewide curfew on alcohol sales in restaurants.
"Effective this Friday, July the 31st, restaurants must stop selling alcoholic drinks after 11 PM. Bars will remain closed… Public health experts and examples from other states show that bars and other places where people gather closely together are a high-transmission setting for this virus. We want to prevent restaurants from turning into bars after hours."
Cooper notes that the Governor of Texas has expressed regret over opening bars too early – in a state that is now seeing its Covid-19 caseload spiking.
Cooper also says his administration is working on further economic relief for those struggling to pay rent and utilities; those details, he says, are coming soon.
