Gov. Cooper extends curfew

Jan. 7. By Dave Yochum. Gov. Roy Cooper extended the modified “Stay at Home” order for three more weeks. Originally set to expire on Jan. 8, the new executive order comes as the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services reports record-high coronavirus numbers. Among other things, the order requires people to stay at home between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am.

This is the third time North Carolina’s Phase 3 coronavirus restrictions have been extended since they began Oct. 2.

Holiday impact not felt yet

“We don’t even think we have seen the impact of the holiday yet,” NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen said during a 2 pm press conference today.

Dr. Mandy Cohen

She reported the COVID-19 positive test rate was at 17.8 percent today; this, on top of new cases at times exceeding 9,000 daily during the past week. While the volume of new cases has moderated, Cohen said 96 out of 100 NC counties have critical or substantial community of the coronavirus.

The first modified “Stay at Home” order began Friday, Dec. 11. It was due to expire at 5 pm this Friday had the situation improved. Click here to read the new Executive Order.

Stay home

The modified stay at home order limits gatherings and seeks to “get people home where they are safer,” Cooper explained.

Cohen said North Carolinians should only leave home for essential activities, including work, buying food, school and dealing with health-care needs. She advised:

—If you are over 65 use alternative delivery methods for food and retail

—Do not have people over or go to other’s homes.

—Always wear a mask and keep distant from people.

At the same time, Phase 1A of vaccine distribution is underway with the COVID-19 vaccine being distributed to North Carolina residents ages 75 and older. About 125,000 people have been vaccinated statewide, according to DHHS.