Nov. 10. By Dave Yochum. With Thanksgiving two weeks away, Gov. Roy Cooper says everyone in North Carolina must focus on how to keep their friends and neighbors safe.

“We are on shaky ground as we head into Thanksgiving,” Cooper said. “We must avoid getting together especially indoors.” The NC Dept. of Health & Human Services reported 2,582 new cases today.

At 3 pm Tuesday the governor announced plans to keep North Carolina paused in the current Phase 3 reopening. It means reducing the number of people allowed in indoor gatherings from 25 to 10.

This is happening as people grow weary of coronavirus precautions amidst news of a promising vaccine from Pfizer.

The Phase 3 order was set to expire at 5 pm Nov. 13. Now it is extended to Dec. 4.

Numbers increasing

“We need to focus on how to bring the numbers down,” said NCDHHS Dr. Mandy Cohen.

Cohen said holiday travelers should be tested for the coronavirus just before a trip. “If you do test positive, stay home or isolate,” she said. Many of the outbreaks are coming from social gatherings.

“This is a problem, ” Cooper said. “People tend to let their guard down in social gatherings with people they know and feel comfortable with.”

No travel ban

There is no consideration right now for travel bans or quarantines.

Cooler weather is sending more people indoors where transmission of the virus occurs more freely.

Cooper said he wants to send a “serious signal” to family, friends and neighbors throughout North Carolina: “Success is slowing the spread of the coronavirus. This will help our businesses.”

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The order limiting indoor gatherings does not apply to schools, universities or religious services. The outdoor mass gathering limit remains at 50.