Governor Roy Cooper has extended North Carolina’s stay-at-home order — which requires residents to be home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. — through at least Friday, January 29.

Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen cited the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state as the reasoning for the extension. The order was slated to expire on January 8.

“We have turned the page on a new year – one that we’re hoping will bring better times. But as we know, the virus didn’t disappear at midnight on December 31,” Cooper said. “In fact, in North Carolina, we have seen some of our highest case counts, percent positives, hospitalizations and ICU bed usage numbers in the past few days. No matter where you live, work, worship or play, COVID-19 remains a deadly threat, and we must treat it that way.”

North Carolina is reporting 582,348 coronavirus cases as of January 6 — an increase of 6,952 from the day beforehand. There are currently 3,893 residents hospitalized with COVID-19.

“We are in a very dangerous position. North Carolinians need to take immediate actions to save lives, slow the spread of the virus, and protect hospital capacity so that medical care is available to anyone who may need it, whether for COVID-19 or for any other reason,” said Cohen.

The extension of the stay-at-home order comes as North Carolina undergoes vaccine distribution. Cooper announced on Tuesday that he will deploy the National Guard to assist with the distribution efforts, saying ensuring vaccines are given to individuals “is our top priority right now.”

“As we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are also helping local hospitals and health departments to support their vaccine efforts. Getting the vaccine out quickly is the most urgent priority right now, and we will use everything and everyone needed to get the job done,” Cooper said.

Data from the state’s Health and Human Services department shows that 109,799 residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 461 residents having completed the cycle. Data regarding vaccine distribution is updated every Tuesday.

Cooper’s administration confirmed that the state has begun to move into Phase 1B of vaccine distribution, which allows for residents over age 75 to receive the first dose.

Photo via the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

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