As Orange County residents and North Carolinians welcome the end of 2020, elected officials are urging caution to those choosing to celebrate.

With gathering limits and a modified stay-at-home order in place for North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper said state leaders are hoping people will still to follow public health guidelines on New Year’s Eve. Hospitalizations are continuing to set new record-highs due to positive COVID-19 cases, and Cooper said Wednesday people should continue their methods to prevent the virus’ spread despite the holiday.

“When we rang in 2020, we didn’t expect to be closing it out in the grips of a global pandemic,” said the governor, “but here we are. We have to seize our resolve and make it last. Let’s live up to our ideals by doing what we know works: wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings where the virus can be spread easily.

“Our collective New Year’s resolution should be keeping each other safe in 2021,” Cooper added. “Most North Carolinians worked hard to care for one another in 2020. Let’s continue those efforts and keep that spirit going as we turn the page on a new year and prepare to turn the corner on this pandemic.”

In Orange County, Sheriff Charles Blackwood issued a release saying county residents should practice safety even when home, since public health restrictions prevent bars and restaurants to be open at midnight. He said this still creates a dangerous dynamic if people unsafely drink alcohol.

“More people will be celebrating closer to home, which could do two things,” Blackwood said. “One, they may think they can drive home despite their alcohol consumption because they don’t have to travel far. Two, there might be more pedestrians out after dark, as people walk to or from a neighbor’s house.”

As part of New Year’s Eve plans, said the sheriff, people should choose a designated driver or use a ride sharing service if celebrating away from home. If walking, plan to wear something with bright colors or reflective material to improve visibility and carry a flashlight.

Blackwood also warned against illegal celebratory gunfire, which is often reported on the New Year’s Eve holiday. The sheriff said not only is firing guns into the air illegal, but it is dangerous.

An example of this occurred just two years ago, as a UNC student in Raleigh was struck by a stray bullet from celebratory gunfire in downtown Raleigh. Blackwood said while bullets fired straight into the air will come down with a slower velocity, it will still be fast enough to hurt someone.

“A bullet fired in the air comes down 20-90 seconds later,” he said, “and it can harm someone as far as a mile or two away. This is why firing a weapon into the air is never a good idea, even in rural areas.

“Don’t start your year as a statistic,” the Orange County Sheriff added. “Please celebrate safely.”

 

Photo via Pixabay.

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