Here are the 3 phases of Gov. Roy Cooper's reopening plan

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Friday, April 24, 2020
Data surrounding COVID-19 shows improvement, but NC not ready to reopen, health officials say
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen outlined the trends surrounding COVID-19 in North Carolina, including what needs to happen for the state to reopen.

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Gov. Roy Cooper has outlined his plan for reopening North Carolina in three phases.

Here are the phases Gov. Cooper discussed:

PHASE 1

  • Retailers and services will need to implement social distancing practices, cleaning and other protocols. Any businesses specifically closed by the executive order -- including bars and restaurants for dine-in service, nail and hair salons, gyms and movie theatres -- must stay closed.
  • Gatherings limited to no more than 10 people
  • Parks can open subject to gathering limits
  • Face coverings recommended in public
  • Restrictions remain in place for nursing homes and other congregate living settings
  • Encourage continued teleworking

PHASE 2: about 2-3 weeks after Phase 1

  • Lift Stay-at-Home order with strong encouragement for vulnerable populations to continue staying at home
  • Allow limited opening of restaurants, bars and other businesses that can follow strict safety protocols (reduced capacity)
  • Allow gathering at houses of worship and entertainment venues at reduced capacity
  • Increase in number of people allowed at gatherings
  • Face coverings recommended in public
  • Open public playgrounds
  • Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and other congregate living settings

PHASE 3: about 4-6 weeks after Phase 2

  • Lessen restrictions for vulnerable populations with encouragement to continue practicing physical distancing
  • Allow increased capacity at restaurants, bars, other businesses, houses of worship and entertainment venues
  • Further increase the number of people allowed at gatherings
  • Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and other congregate living settings

Cooper said the state would not move to a new phase until data shows it is safe to do so.

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