At his Tuesday afternoon press conference, Governor Roy Cooper announced the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. WHQR reports Phase 2.5 of his safer-at-home policy will go into effect this Friday, September 4th at 5 P.M.
“Moving to phase 2.5 means we can safely do a few more things while still fighting the virus as vigorously as ever. And until we have a vaccine or a reliable cure the precautions like the 3 Ws are with us for a while.”
According to the Governor, mass gatherings can increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors -- and playgrounds will be allowed to open.
In addition, museums and aquariums can open at 50 percent capacity -- and gyms and other indoor exercise facilities can open at 30 percent capacity. And children 5 and older will now have to wear masks at child care facilities.
But bars, nightclubs, and movie theaters will remain closed.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen:
“Cases are stabilizing over the past 14-days but our new cases remain at a level that is too high.”
And Dr. Cohen says even with a 2-day average wait time for testing results, fewer people are being tested. She says that anyone who has symptoms or thinks they’ve been exposed should get a test.
Phase 2.5 remains in effect until September 22nd.
Read Executive Order No. 163
Dr. Mandy Cohen's Presentation of Covid-19 Metrics on Sept. 1st, 2020