The recent Covid-19 spike in North Carolina has state officials using words such as “dire”, “alarming”, “shocking”, “life and death”, and “upon us with a rapid viciousness.” 80% of counties in the state are now coded orange and red.
Brunswick County has moved into the orange zone with substantial community spread. New Hanover County remains yellow – at a significant level of spread.
It was less than a month ago that the state hit a new record high daily case count -- crossing the three-thousand mark. But now the state is seeing that record doubled, with more than six-thousand cases in a single day twice in the past week.
That’s why a new Executive Order imposes another stay-at-home order starting this Friday, December 11th. According to Governor Roy Cooper, it’s a modified version.
"This order will require people to stay at home between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am. It means just what it says: people are to stay at home between those hours. Businesses, including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses and most retail stores, and more, will be required to close by 10 pm. In addition, all onsite alcohol consumption sales must end by 9 pm."
Cooper says he doesn’t want to shut down indoor restaurant dining as these businesses are already struggling, but he says he will do more if trends do not improve.
Vaccines won’t have a major impact in the near future on slowing the spread of the virus, says Cooper. Since protection requires two doses, the first vaccine recipients likely won’t be fully immunized until next year.
The modified stay-at-home order is in effect until January 8th.
Exceptions in Executive Order 181 include sellers of groceries, medicines, and fuel.
