North Carolina will move into a “Phase 2.5” of reopening beginning this Friday at 5 p.m.
Governor Roy Cooper announced the step forward, saying this change will increase the limit on mass gatherings as the state continues its return to normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In this new phase, up to 25 people will be allowed indoors at once and up to 50 people can gather safely outdoors. Additionally, nursing homes will be allowed to hold visitation again as long as it is conducted outdoors.
“Because of our stable numbers, we’re able to take a careful step forward,” said Cooper at a press conference announcing the new phase. “Our at-risk population is still safer at home. For those over 65 and those with health risks, we urge responsibility in your choices.”
“These careful movements forward should not affect the viral spread,” he added, “because we know that it’s going to be important for people to keep working hard [to maintain public health.] We believe things can continue to improve, we want to drive those numbers down and I think we can do that by doing the things we know work.”
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said the state’s trends have largely stabilized, despite some still being elevated. She cited how hospitalizations are declining, trajectory of cases have decreased and the percentage of positive tests becoming stable.
Cooper said this data shows North Carolinians are adapting to operate amid the pandemic, which prompts this move forward. But the governor still urged residents to continue wearing masks, washing their hands and physically distancing from others.
“We’re encouraged, but cautious. Stability isn’t victory,” said Cooper.
The move is not a full transition to Phase 3, which state officials have said would allow places like bars, nightclubs, movie theaters and other indoor venues to reopen. Those places will stay closed, but the governor cited other places that will be allowed to reopen at a limited capacity with the Phase 2.5.
Cooper said museums and aquariums will be able to open at a 50 percent capacity, with gyms and indoor fitness centers allowed to open at 30 percent. Playgrounds will be allowed to open again as well. Capacity limits for restaurants and personal care businesses will remain the same during this reopening phase and large venues will still be subject to the mass gatherings limit.
Some gyms around the state announced plans on Monday to open to customers later in the week. While gyms were among the businesses closed during Phase 2, many cited a clarification allowing people with medical prescriptions for indoor exercise to use their facilities.
Cooper acknowledged these changes on Tuesday when asked during the press conference, saying his administration was aware of these businesses operating this way.
“A lot of gyms were open to handle that traffic of people with doctors notes,” he said, “but we expect the businesses to obey the rules. I think it’s important not just for the customers, but for [these gyms’] own staff, to obey these rules. We expect they will going forward.”
North Carolina has been operating under Phase 2 of Cooper’s reopening plan since May 22, remaining there due to ongoing rises in positive COVID-19 cases and the lack of stabilizing trends. In June, Cooper issued a face covering requirement for those in public spaces as an effort to slow the virus’ spread. While began to stabilize in the late summer, the governor most recently extended Phase 2 in early August.
According to Governor Cooper’s office, North Carolina’s Phase 2.5 is slated to originally last through September 22.
Photo via the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
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