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As the state lifts the stay at home order beginning Friday at 5 p.m. the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau is joining in the Count on Me NC program.

“I have been in the tourism industry for many years and have written so many press releases, but today’s is the most important,” said Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the HCVB. “The tourism industry is facing an unfathomable crisis.We are in jeopardy of losing businesses in Halifax County to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Medlin said it is with “a hopeful heart that I announce that the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau is partnering with the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association and VisitNC towards the first step in what is most likely to be a long recovery for our industry.”
The program, she said, is the first step toward reopening tourist related businesses. “We are so excited to partner to bring this very strong training and marketing to Halifax County. We want to make sure guests feel safe stopping here and that our industry team members feel comfortable greeting guests.”

Lynn Minges, with the NCRLA said, “Restaurateurs and hoteliers will be operating with new policies and procedures, as mandated by the state. Expect to see tables, booths, chairs, and barstools blocked off and spaced out to achieve social distancing. Employees will be required to participate in regular health screenings and will be wearing face coverings. And we hope guests will be wearing them as well — right up until they eat and drink.”

Minges said expect to see signs about handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing. “Expect to see signs directing guests where to stand, walk, and wait. Expect more touchless pay, limited menus, and perhaps different operating hours. And, we along with your guests will expect to see the Count On Me NC logo displayed on doors, windows, and other key areas of restaurants, hotels, and other businesses across our state as it will signal your commitment to your employees and your guests that you have commited to operate at the highest standards during the COVID-19 era.”

In the gallery: Current Halifax County Count Me NC partners

Medlin said the HCVB is eager to greet leisure and business travelers back into hotels “and we expect Halifax County to fare well as we welcome visitors back. We expect North Carolinians will be eager to experience familiar places like Sylvan Heights, and the Roanoke Canal Trail and other excursions after weeks of staying at home. Our beautiful Lake Gaston will provide a welcome reprieve and our restaurants and hotels will stand ready to enthusiastically welcome guests back.

“So, as reopening dawns and we step forward, keep in mind how essential all of you, in the hospitality industry, are — owners, operators, staff, suppliers, distributors, and farmers. Your work is important as we provide food, drink, shelter, and most importantly, kindness at a time folks need it most.”

Governor’s statement

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen Wednesday announced that North Carolina will move into Safer At Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions. 

The governor said after two weeks in Phase 1, the state’s overall key indicators remain stable but the continued increases in daily case counts signal a need to take a more modest step forward in Phase 2 than originally envisioned.

“North Carolina is using the data to guide our decisions about when to lift COVID-19 restrictions, and overall our key indicators remain stable,” said Governor Cooper. “Safer At Home Phase 2 is another careful step forward, and we have to continue taking this virus seriously to prevent a dangerous spike in infections.”

Cohen comments

“From the beginning, North Carolinians have joined together to confront this crisis. We need to rely upon one another to practice the three Ws as we begin leaving our homes more. When we wear a face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash our hands often, we are showing we care for our loved ones and neighbors,” said Cohen.

Based on the metrics laid out in April by Cooper and Cohen, North Carolina is evaluating a combination of the data from the following categories that shows the state is stable but still has increasing daily new lab confirmed case counts.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing. 

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive has been decreasing and is starting to level. 

Trajectory in hospitalizations Over 14 Days

North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level. 

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. 

These areas include:

Laboratory Testing 

North Carolina has more than doubled the daily testing rate with more than 8,000 tests completed daily on average. More than 300 testing sites across North Carolina are posted on the DHHS testing information website. 

Tracing Capability

The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has already hired more than 150 new contact tracers adding to the 250 already working at our local health departments. 

Personal Protective Equipment 

Supply chains continue to improve. 

What’s included in Safer At Home Phase 2?

Phase 2 lifts the Stay At Home order moving into a Safer At Home recommendation, especially for people at high risk for serious illness. Teleworking is also urged when possible. 

Mass gathering limits in Phase 2 will be no more than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in most circumstances. 

(The phase 2 FAQ can be found at this link while the Phase 2 order can be found at this link)

These limits apply to the following: event venues; conference centers; stadiums and sports arenas; amphitheaters; and groups at parks or beaches. 

Some businesses will remain closed in Phase 2 including: bars; night clubs; gyms and indoor fitness facilities; indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, and bowling alleys. 

Certain businesses will be open at limited capacity with other requirements and recommendations including: restaurants at 50 percent dine-in capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; personal care businesses, including salons and barbers, at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; pools at 50 percent capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees of personal care businesses will be required to wear face coverings. 

Childcare facilities, day camps and overnight camps will be open with enhanced cleaning and screening requirements. Retail businesses allowed to open in Phase 1 at 50 percent capacity will continue at that level. 

Public health recommendations are provided for worship services to practice enhanced social distancing and other cleaning and hygiene practices.