Cooper Expected To Unveil Phase 2 Reopening: How To Watch

NORTH CAROLINA — Two days before the start of Memorial Day weekend, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to announce plans for how the state will begin Phase 2 of easing restrictions.

Cooper is scheduled to make his announcement Wednesday evening and is expected to allow restaurants and bars to reopen, the Charlotte Observer reported.

Cooper has said loosening current restrictions, which are set to expire Friday at 5 p.m., would be determined by progress in testing, tracing and a downward change in trends.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 19,700 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in North Carolina, and 691 deaths, according to data provided by North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services. Hospitalizations rose by 74 patients Tuesday to 585, the largest day-over-day increase yet in the state according to NC DHHS data.

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In an email to its members Tuesday afternoon, the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association tipped off restaurant owners to the announcement that is expected to come with interim guidelines for how dining areas will reopen, the newspaper reported.

Under the interim guidelines, indoor restaurant areas will be limited to 50 percent capacity and tables must be arranged to allow for six feet of social distancing.

Phase 2 plans are also expected to address indoor church services, personal care services and public playgrounds.

Cooper's press briefing will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, and may be watched here.

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