Governor Roy Cooper has announced that after a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina will take a modest step forward to move into Phase 2.5 starting Friday, September 4th at 5 pm. “Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect and are even more important to contain the virus,” Cooper said.

Phase 2.5 allows up to 25 people at indoor gatherings, up to 50 people at outdoor gatherings, and permits playgrounds to be reopened.

To read Executive Order 163, click here or for more information about this order, click FAQ.