North Carolina Governor Cooper announced during Wednesday's coronavirus briefing that the state will remain in Phase Two for an additional five weeks.
As of Wednesday, there are now 129,288 cases, 1,167 people hospitalized and 2,050 coronavirus related deaths.
That is 1,127 new cases and 40 additional deaths from Tuesday.
Health officials say while trends show that cases are beginning to stabilize, rates are still high. In response to data, Cooper says stable is good but decreasing is better.
In keeping with our dimmer switch approach with schools opening, and in order to push for decreasing numbers which will keep people healthier and boost our economy, North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for 5 weeks.https://t.co/uozQhYyitv pic.twitter.com/bdyrAoYzJz
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) August 5, 2020
In order to push for a decrease in numbers, North Carolina will stay in Phase Two for five weeks. The opening of schools and universities is still set for August.
Last week, Cooper ordered a statewide curfew on the sale of alcohol at restaurants.