Cooper Expected To Unveil Phase 1 Reopening: How To Watch

NORTH CAROLINA — One day after saying he hoped the state could possibly begin the first phase of reopening by the weekend, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is set to address how the state will move forward in a press conference Tuesday evening.

Cooper, alongside members of the Coronavirus Task Force, is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. and will be unveiling details of the first phase of reopening the state, the Charlotte Observer reported.

Cooper has said loosening current restrictions, which are set to expire May 8, would be determined by progress in testing, tracing and a downward change in trends.

As of Tuesday morning, there were 12,256 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in North Carolina, and 452 deaths, according to data provided by North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services. Hospitalizations rose by 36 patients overnight to 534, NC DHHS said.

North Carolina public health officials released data Tuesday indicating that more than half of the state's adult population is considered at higher risk for severe illness from new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

Last month, Cooper said Phase 1 of the three-phase reopening would relax the current stay-at-home order to allow for commercial activity; require stores and services to implement social distancing and cleaning protocols; allow parks to reopen; and continue to encourage teleworking. Mass gatherings would continue to be limited to 10 of fewer people, restrictions would remain in place for nursing homes and masks would be encouraged in public.

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