In early December, Governor Cooper announced the modification of the Stay-At-Home order, which was the first set of such restrictions since Memorial Day. The order was extended for three weeks in early January.
The order imposes non-essential business closing measures such as gyms, restaurants and retail at 10 pm, every night, and allowing them to reopen at 5 am.
Restrictions also included changing the alcohol curfew to 9 pm.
PRESS CONFERENCE:
Governor Cooper announced that the new order, including curfews and restrictions, will remain in effect until February 28.
“We are excited to see that our COVID numbers have stabilized over the past few days, which is a good thing,” he said. “But the reality is that they are still tall and that many people are still seriously ill and dying. The virus is still spreading in our communities.”
At the press conference, Governor Cooper also said that the order allowing the sale of mixed drinks for travel will be in effect until March 31. This order was originally issued on December 22 and aims to reduce the number of people gathering in bars while allowing companies to increase revenue.
Bars and restaurants authorized to sell alcoholic beverages for travel under executive order from Governor Cooper
Cooper is also extending the eviction moratorium until March 31.
“Health experts have shown that keeping people in their homes is an important way to slow the virus down,” he said. “A moratorium on evictions is important, as we remain under a modified order to stay at home.”
The HOPE program offers rental assistance for families affected by COVID-19
On Wednesday, North Carolina health officials reported an additional 5,587 cases of COVID-19, bringing the total since March to 733,010. Across the state, 8,915 people died from the virus.
NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen reviews current COVID-19 metrics in North Carolina
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