North Carolina is taking another step towards re-opening. As Covid-19 metrics continue to stabilize, Governor Roy Cooper is also announcing new relief money for small businesses and a new Covid app.
By the end of next week, the Governor’s current Executive Order expires. And Governor Cooper says as long as North Carolina’s good progress holds, October 2nd at 5 PM is a good time to cautiously move into Phase 3.
"That step will mean larger outdoor event venues will be able to open at 7% capacity starting next Friday, October the 2nd. We share this news today so those outdoor venues with seating capacity of more than 10,000 can begin preparations that are key to safely reopening their doors to have limited amount of socially-distanced fans."
Before the new Executive Order is signed, Cooper says his team will also examine whether additional restrictions could be eased on October 2nd.
The Governor also announced a $40 million relief fund for small businesses hit hard by the coronavirus shutdown. Bars, gyms, bowling alleys, museums, and others closed from April 1st to July 31st will be eligible for the funds from Federal CARES Act money.
State health officials have launched a new free app called SlowCOVIDNC that alerts users when they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The app, say officials, is anonymous and does not collect, store or share personal data.
