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North Carolina expected to lift many COVID-19 restrictions by June 1


(Image: Sean Finn, NewsChannel 12)
(Image: Sean Finn, NewsChannel 12)
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Pandemic-related restrictions across the state could be lifted by the beginning of June, Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday.

Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen gave residents a timeline for COVID-19 lifting restrictions.

The state expects to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1, if trends continue to stabilize and vaccinations continue.

“Each shot in an arm is a step closer to putting this pandemic in the rearview mirror,” said Cooper. “North Carolinians have shown up for each other throughout this entire pandemic and we need to keep up that commitment by getting our vaccines.”

As of Wednesday, North Carolina has administrated more than 6.5 million vaccines. NCDHHS reports that 47.1 percent of the adult population has received at least one dose, while 35.8 percent is fully vaccinated. Anyone 16 and older is eligible for a vaccine in North Carolina.

Officials added that they expect to lift the mask mandate and ease other health recommendations, once two-thirds of adult North Carolinians have received at least one vaccine dose, if trends remain stable.

“We are at an exciting moment. We now have enough vaccine for everyone,” said Cohen. “If you are 16 and older, it is your turn to join the more than 3.6 million North Carolinians who have already taken their first shot. It’s up to you to get us to the two-thirds goal as quickly as possible so we can live with this virus and begin to put this pandemic behind us.”

On Wednesday, 1,963 new COVID-19 cases were reported, bringing the pandemic's total to 952,529. There are 1,963 people currently hospitalized, and 12,480 deaths have been confirmed. The daily percent positive was 7.0 percent.

Community members across eastern North Carolina said they're excited to get back to normal, but many added that they plan to act with caution even when restrictions are lifted.

“I think it’s not too soon but well-received," said Ryan Hegler. "It’s definitely time — people need to get out there. We need to socialize.”

Those like Shurquanda Jones said while they're excited, they'll still be careful.

“I just think about me and mines. We aren’t just going to jump out there and say everything is gone; we are going to take more precautions because you just never know.”

Although June 1 is the goal for lifting many restrictions, NCDHHS Secretary Cohen stressed that some safety precautions will remain.

“So there will be ongoing safety recommendations for places like camps and summer school to protect our children against COVID-19; likewise in high-risk settings like large venues that bring a lot of people indoors," she explained in Wednesday's briefing.

Area resident Michael Lanier works at Tire Country in Jacksonville and said the pandemic has impacted his family's business, and he hopes to see more people come through his doors soon.

“With the pandemic happening it’s been slow— can’t have as many groups so hopefully business, like I said for small business, will see an influx.”

Along with social distancing restrictions lifting, Gov. Cooper added that mask restrictions could change in the near future.

“After June 1, we hope that that mask mandate will only be required for people in public places indoors," he said.

Cooper plans to speak next week to outline restrictions for May.


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