North Carolina will enter the first phase of lifting its COVID-19 restrictions at 5 PM today. During a Friday afternoon media briefing, Gov. Roy Cooper reminded residents that they should continue to stay vigilant and take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Particularly, Cooper urged North Carolinians to wear face masks if they are going out in public to some of the reopening businesses and facilities. Gov. Cooper says the data and science show North Carolina is able to enter Phase 1 of the plan to reignite the state’s economy.
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen says she and the governor still want to see more COVID-19 testing in the state, particularly in underserved areas. Cohen also reminds residents to:
- WEAR a face mask when you go out in public
- WAIT at least six feet apart from other persons
- WASH your hands frequently
As of Friday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 13,868 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state. 527 of those cases have resulted in death. Gov. Cooper reminded that for every coronavirus death recorded in the state, one more North Carolina family is mourning the death of a loved one.
