Almost half of North Carolina counties have “critical” levels of the spread of COVID-19

Raleigh, North Carolina (WNCN) – The number of counties with a “critical” community has more than doubled according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services ‘Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 County Alert System update.

From November 23 to December 8, another 28 counties were placed in the “Critical Community Spread” category in red, bringing the total to 48.

As a result of rising case numbers, Governor Roy Cooper announced new restrictions on Tuesday aimed at stopping the spread of the virus.

to me Executive Order 181 , Individuals in all counties must stay home between 10 PM and 5 AM unless an exception applies, and many businesses must close at 10 PM

“We already have strong safety protocols and capacity restrictions – including statewide mask requirements. With this additional measure going on Friday, we hope to lower those numbers. The new revised” stay-at-home “system aims to reduce clusters. And getting people home where they are safer, especially during the holidays. It is also a reminder that we must be vigilant for the rest of the day – wearing a face mask when we’re with people we don’t live with, keeping a safe distance from others and washing our hands often. ”

Restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, grooming companies and more are required to close at 10 PM. Travel to and from work; To obtain food, medical care, fuel, or social services; Or to take care of an exempt family member.

State health officials are also advising individuals in all counties to avoid vacation travel and follow directions to safely celebrate the winter holidays as well as get the COVID-19 vaccine when available.

There are now 34 orange counties (significant community spread), compared to 42 orange counties from the previous report.

More than 80 percent of North Carolina counties now fall into the red or orange categories.