North Carolina Gov. To Ease Capacity Restrictions As COVID Metrics Improve

CHARLOTTE, NC – North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced increased capacity limits for many industries as key COVID metrics decline.

“I’m pleased that we’re holding steady and that our numbers remain stable,” said Cooper.

The changes announced by Cooper on Tuesday will go into effect at 5p.m. Friday.

“The millions of people in North Carolina who’ve worn masks and acted responsibly deserve credit for this success,” said Cooper.

Hospitalizations state wide are dropping, the percent of positive tests hovering around 5%.

Nearly 32% of adults in the state are at least partially vaccinated.

“The mask mandate will remain in place. It will be as important as ever to stay socially distant and use good judgement,” said Cooper.

The 11pm alcohol curfew will be lifted.

Museums, retail stores, and salons can open at 100% capacity indoors and out.

Restaurants, Breweries, gyms, and pools, can be at 75% capacity indoors and 100% outdoors.

And bars, sporting arenas, and event venues can operate at 50% capacity indoors.

“We want to strengthen our economy while keeping people safe. And It’s on all of us to make that happen,” said Cooper.

In Mecklenburg, hospitalizations continue to decline. But other key metrics are creeping back up.

“We are averaging about 179 cases a day, that’s up slightly,” said Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Gibbie Harris.

Harris says she is now in talks with the state to increase vaccine allotment to keep up with demand.

“We are continuing to make sure that vaccine goes out the week it comes in,” said Harris.