Governor Roy Cooper announced North Carolina will enter Phase Two with modifications on Friday.
During Wednesday's press conference, Cooper announced that Phase One is set to expire on Friday.
Based on data provided by North Carolina health officials, the state is able to move to Phase Two with caution.
Based on the metrics laid out in April by Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen, North Carolina is evaluating a combination of the data from the following categories that shows the state is stable but still has increasing daily new lab confirmed case counts.
North Carolina has more than doubled the daily testing rate with more than 8,000 tests completed daily on average.
Governor Cooper says while he is lifting the stay-at-home order, he is implementing a safer-at-home recommendation. Cooper says North Carolina will take a more modest approach into Phase Two.
North Carolina is using the data to guide our decisions about when to lift COVID-19 restrictions, and overall our key indicators remain stable,” said Governor Cooper. “Safer At Home Phase 2 is another careful step forward, and we have to continue taking this virus seriously to prevent a dangerous spike in infections.”
Teleworking is still highly recommended under Phase Two.
Bars, night clubs, gyms, entertainment venues, and public playgrounds will remain closed.
No more than 10 people gatherings indoors are allowed and no more than 25 people outdoors is a guideline in Phase Two.
Restaurants are allowed to reopen their dine-in area at 50% capacity.
Salons and barber shops are also able to reopen with 50% capacity. Salons are to reduce the number of people allowed in the waiting area and everyone must wear a face covering.
Swimming pools are allowed to reopen with 50% capacity.
Overnight camps and day camps are set to reopen. Child care can now enroll all children into daycare under the Phase Two guidelines.
Public health recommendations are provided for worship services to practice enhanced social distancing and other cleaning and hygiene practices.
Local governments can enact stricter rules if need be, according to Governor Cooper.
