In a Wednesday press conference, Gov. Roy Cooper gave some bad news to North Carolinians about moving out of the Phase 2 reopening plans.
Citing rising metrics, as opposed to leveling-off or decreasing, Cooper extended phase 2 for at least 3 more weeks. A State wide mandate was also put in place, requiring people to wear masks / cover their faces in public spaces, which will go in effect Friday, at 5 p.m.
Restaurants and salons will be able to stay open, while following requirements such as 50% capacity and social distancing, however, bars and gyms are still not allowed to open during this time.
It was also noted that businesses that don’t follow these guidelines, that don’t make their staff wear masks, or encourage patrons to break these rules could be cited by law enforcement. Officers can also charge customers who have been asked, but who refuse to leave businesses, with trespassing.
The trajectory of daily new virus infections, the number of Covid-19 hospitalizations, and total related state-wide deaths were listed as reasons for the decisions.