North Carolina enters Phase 2 of its reopening process at 5 PM on Friday.  During a media briefing just hours before the next stage goes into effect, Gov. Roy Cooper urged North Carolinians to continue using caution to avoid the spread of COVID-19 during Memorial Day Weekend.  Gov. Cooper says the “Safer-at-Home” Phase 2 plan is a “cautious step forward.”

Under the Phase 2 plan, some businesses will be able to reopen at 50% capacity, including restaurants, salons and barbers, and swimming pools.  Some businesses will still remain closed, including bars, gyms, theaters, and public playgrounds.

Gov. Cooper says 3,500 individuals representing 1,800 businesses across the state have already completed the new “Count On Me NC” safety protocol training.  The training is available online at countonmeNC.org for restaurants and businesses.