FROM STAFF REPORTS
Gov. Roy Cooper said North Carolina will stay in Phase 2 for at least five more weeks.
Staying in Phase 2 means bars, gyms, bars and large venues will remain closed until at least September 11.
Cooper said Wednesday afternoon during a press briefing that trends are not showing enough progress in combating the virus for the state to move into Phase 3.
“Experts believe our mandatory mask order stabilized our numbers. Just last week, we added a curfew on alcohol sales to keep restaurants from turning into bars, which are high transmission areas. Our success at returning thousands of students, teachers and staff safely to the classroom this month depends on us doing what works,” said Cooper.
Bars, nightclubs, gyms and other indoor fitness facilities have been closed since March 30, when Cooper issued an executive order limiting the use of these businesses.
Cooper chose to stay in Phase 2 for five more weeks on the recommendation of the Department of Health and Humans Services.
“We want to make sure we can go back to school safely, so we felt five more weeks in Phase 2 was a better plan than two weeks,” said Cooper.
