Rocky Mount Today

Prior to Gov. Roy Cooper's stay-at-home order expiring on May 8, Republican state lawmakers urged the governor to release his plan for safely reopening North Carolina's economy and easing COVID-19 restrictions. 

“The governors of South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia, among others, have all announced their plans to safely reopen their states,”  Lt. Gov. Dan Forest said, according to The Wilson Times. “Governor Cooper has yet to release his plan. He has repeatedly stated that he is waiting on personal protective equipment and testing from the federal government before he does so. With manufacturers of these products right here in North Carolina, we need to stop waiting and provide for ourselves as other states have done. North Carolina must have a sense of urgency to reopen. We can do two things at once — protect lives and livelihoods. The citizens of our great state deserve nothing less.”

A group of Republican state senators, including Sen. Rick Horner (R-Johnston), sent the governor a letter requesting his plans for allowing businesses that had been closed due to coronavirus to reopen.

The statewide stay-at-home order was originally set to expire April 29 but has been extended until May 8. Cooper is, in these last two weeks of the order, relaxing guidelines to allow more commercial businesses to operate, according to WRAL.

Congress is working to approve a $483 billion coronavirus aid package that will include more funds for payroll protection loans, assist with acquiring testing supplies and aid hospitals who are treating patients.

Sen. Tom Tillis (R-North Carolina) has been appointed to President Donald Trump's Congressional Economic Task Force. This group will provide guidance for when and how to reopen the nation's economy. 

“I’ve talked to countless North Carolinians over the last several weeks and they’re rightfully concerned about protecting the health of their loved ones and getting clarity on how and when we can safely reopen the economy. I strongly believe that data must drive this decision and we must properly time and implement a staggered reopening based on the unique conditions on the ground in our states, cities and towns,” Tillis said according to The Wilson Times. “I’ll continue to work with  President Trump and Governor Cooper in the weeks ahead as North  Carolinians keep doing their part to defeat this virus and get ready to  begin our nation’s economic recovery.”