North Carolina Coronavirus Updates — May 21, 2020 | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:


    Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced that North Carolina will move to Safer At Home Phase 2 on Friday, May 22 at 5 pm. This order encourages people to continue staying home, especially those at high risk for serious illness, as well as encourages teleworking. North Carolina is guided by the data, which shows that the state's key indicators and trends are mostly stable. The increase in the daily case counts signal a need to take a more modest step forward in Phase 2 than originally envisioned.

    "This virus is still a serious threat to our state. But North Carolinians have made changes — and sacrifices — in their daily lives. And that has helped to flatten the curve here," Governor Cooper said. "Today, we are announcing another gradual and cautious step while still keeping important health and safety measures in place."

    Phase 2 adjusts restrictions allowing certain businesses to open at 50% capacity with social distancing and increased hygiene practices in place. Retail businesses will continue to operate under the provisions of Phase 1. Childcare services will also be allowed to open to all families with enhanced cleaning and screening requirements.

    Some businesses will remain closed in Phase 2 including bars, night clubs, gyms, bowling alleys, indoor fitness facilities, and movie theaters. Mass gathering limits in Phase 2 will be no more than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in most circumstances.

    The Safer At Home Phase 2 runs through at least Friday, June 26. DHHS public health recommendations are provided online for various sectors.

    The three Ws are even more important now. So remember — wash your hands frequently, wait six feet apart from other people, and wear a face covering.

    Read Executive Order 141 and the FAQs.

    Read the Press Release.

    View the slide presentation.

    Information is changing rapidly, this update is current as of May 14, 2020

    It's important to rely on trusted sources of information about COVID-19. Keep up with the latest information on Coronavirus in North Carolina HERE.

    Text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19 and North Carolina's response.

    Dial 2-1-1 provides free, confidential information and is available 24 hours a day to help you find resources within your community. They can connect you with people and groups that can help with questions about access to food, shelter, health care, employment and child care.

    Families who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to find free meal sites in their communities.

    Make sure to prioritize your overall wellness and don't hesitate to seek additional help. Optum has a toll-free 24-hour Emotional Support Help Line at 866-342-6892 for people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress due to Coronavirus.

    You can track the disease in real time through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 NC Dashboard. It includes detailed information about the state's COVID-19 confirmed cases, hospital capacity and more.


    On Wednesday, Governor Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen teamed up to answer questions from North Carolina's young people about the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the Kid's Q&A.

    North Carolinians can now go online to find a testing site on the DHHS website. The list will be updated regularly as testing sites may shift in the coming weeks. There are more than 200 sample site locations in 54 North Carolina counties, some at no cost to the test taker. Doctors and clinicians may also do in-office testing.

    During this time it is imperative that everyone is informed about what is going on in our state. Governor Cooper's administration has been working to get information and resources translated for the Spanish speaking population in our state. Many of the Governor's press conferences, press releases, and executive orders are available in Spanish. Resources are also available in Spanish on the DHHS website.

The state of North Carolina is providing personal protective equipment to long-term care facilities and the @NCNationalGuard has stepped up to help distribute. Thank you for your dedicated service to our state. https://t.co/DrghoL6eI7

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) May 20, 2020