Updates from Gov. Cooper's COVID-19 briefing:
As of today, we have 169,425 lab confirmed cases; 2,111 new cases reported since yesterday; 953 people in the hospital, and sadly 2,741 people who have died. Our thoughts are with all of those mourning a loved one.
Overnight, heavy rain in central North Carolina led to some swift water rescues. Unfortunately, there are reports of two children who were swept away in a car, and rescue crews continue an aggressive search to find them.
We’re thankful for our brave first responders who always leap into action during even the most treacherous times. And we pray these children will be found safely.
After a summer of hard work, we’ve seen North Carolina’s key indicators for COVID-19 remain stable, or even decrease in some instances. Our pause in Phase 2 was necessary as students returned to school and college campuses.
When our colleges and universities opened their campuses, we did see outbreaks and an increase in cases. Some pivoted to full online learning, and after several weeks of students back in the classroom, we’ve continued to see our statewide numbers stabilize.
We’re encouraged to see North Carolina holding steady on most and decreasing on some of our key data metrics. North Carolinians, most of you are showing you know how to fight this disease, and most of you should be proud of yourselves.
Remember – every time you wear your mask or social distance, you’re helping our statewide numbers so we can ease restrictions. You’re protecting people known and unknown. You’re saving lives. And you’re slowing the spread of this virus.
Because of our stable numbers, today we are ready to take a careful step forward. North Carolina will move into Safer At Home Phase 2.5 beginning this Friday, September 4th at 5 pm.
Here’s what will happen. First, our at-risk population is still safer at home. For those over 65 and those with health risks, we urge responsibility in your choices. The limits on mass gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
Playgrounds will be allowed to open. Museums and aquariums can open at 50 percent capacity. Gyms and other indoor exercise facilities can open at 30 percent capacity. The age requirement for mask wearing will include children down to age 5.
Capacity limits at restaurants and personal care businesses like hair and nail salons will stay the same. For all of these, there will be additional safety measures required.
Some places will remain closed including bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment & amusement parks. Large venues will still be subject to the mass gathering limits. We know big gatherings are among the most dangerous settings for transmission of this deadly virus.
Also, as we announced yesterday, the 11 pm curfew on alcohol sales at restaurants has been extended to October 2. Safer at Home Phase 2.5 continues our state’s dimmer switch approach to easing some restrictions.
I want to be clear — we can do this safely only if we keep doing what we know works — wearing masks and social distancing. Moving to Phase 2.5 means we can safely do a few more things while still fighting the virus as vigorously as ever.
In fact, a new phase is exactly when we need to take this virus even more seriously. Wearing a face mask, washing your hands, waiting 6 feet apart. These things have never been more important.
Until we have a vaccine or reliable cure, precautions like the 3 W’s are with us for a while. Life may look a little different, but every time we wear a mask, we help our economy by slowing the spread. We make it safer to visit our favorite stores, restaurants & other businesses.
I’ve seen the tremendous things that North Carolinians will do to take of each other. After a storm, a flood, an earthquake, or a local crisis. A mask? That’s not hard at all compared to the lengths I’ve seen North Carolinians go to help each other.
So let’s keep doing what we know works. Let’s stay strong, and let’s beat this virus. I know we can, and I know we can come out stronger on the other side.
