Cooper: NC will stay ‘paused’ in Phase 3 for three more weeks

NORTH CAROLINA — Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that North Carolina will remain “paused” in Phase 3 for three more weeks as virus trends continue to worsen.

The state transitioned into the phase, which partially reopened bars, amusement parks and movie theaters on Oct. 2. It was originally set to expire on Oct. 23, but Cooper held a news conference days before announcing it has been extended for three more weeks.

Under Phase 3, businesses such as bars and movie theaters are allowed to open to 30% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less.

The phase also allows fans to attend outdoor sporting events. Venues with more than 10,000 seats can operate at 7% capacity, while those with 10,000 or fewer people can open to 100 people or operate at 30% capacity, whichever is less.

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Since moving into Phase 3, North Carolina has seen increased hospitalizations, positivity rates and new cases. Last Thursday and Friday, health officials reported the highest single-day increases in cases since the pandemic started.

Breakdown of NC’s current COVID-19 trends:

• People showing up to the hospital with COVID-like symptoms: Level (earliest detection mechanism)
• New cases: Increasing
• Percent positive rate: Increasing
• Hospitalizations: Increasing (some smaller hospitals across NC feeling strain)

The increase in key metrics is not exclusive to North Carolina. Many states are seeing a similar COVID-19 surge.

“Like states across the country, our numbers continue to be higher than we want. So our work to contain this virus remains critical,” Cooper said.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen said the surge in cases is not linked to any particular age group, activity, industry or community. She said that fact suggests fatigue associated with proven prevention measures -- such as wearing a mask, waiting at least six feet apart and washing hands--could be to blame.

Cooper underscored the importance the 3 W’s and using good judgment despite frustration with the pandemic.

“As this pandemic continues, I know it’s difficult and tiring to keep up our guard, especially when we’re gathered with people we love. But it’s necessary. No one wants to spread COVID-19 accidentally to friends or family, so we must keep prevention at the forefront,” Cooper said. “Wearing a mask shows you care about people. Wearing a mask is an easy way to protect our communities and look out for each other. Confronting the virus head on and doing our part as individuals is good for our health and good for our economy.”

On Thursday, Cohen and Secretary of Department of Public Safety Erik Hooks sent a letter to local officials in communities with increased viral spread urging them to adopt ordinances that impose fines for violating COVID-19 restrictions.

“We are doing everything we can to slow the spread of this virus. This simple fact is we can’t do it on our own. Ignoring the virus doesn’t make it go away – just the opposite,” said Cohen. “As hard as this is, it will end. We will get through this. Let’s do it by looking out for one another. Whatever your reason, get behind the mask.”

They also asked local governments to consider issuing more strict COVID-19 restrictions than those outlined in Phase 3 -- including fines for businesses that allow customers inside without masks, lower maximum gathering limits, curbing alcohol sale before 11 p.m., closing bars and night clubs and further limiting restaurant service.

“We hope our local communities can work with us to move some of our troublesome trends in the right direction,” Cooper said.

Mecklenburg County officials got a letter because its one of the three most populated counties in the state.

Here’s a breakdown of COVID-19 cases, trends across our area

Cox Media Group