NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Now that North Carolina has officially entered phase one of its three-phase reopening plan, what factors will determine when we enter phase two?
There are four key factors in monitoring the spread of the virus (explained below), but health officials will also monitor the state's capacity for testing, tracing and personal protective equipment, according to several press releases, websites, and presentations released by the state.
Phase one began Friday at 5 p.m., and remains in place until Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m., according to Executive Order 138.
Governor Cooper has said that phase two is expected to begin two to three weeks after phase one, given that certain conditions are met.
However, an FAQ from the state says that “Phase 1 will be extended unless data shows the state is prepared to move to Phase 2.”
“Depending on state COVID-19 trends, restrictions may be lifted more slowly or some restrictions might have to be re-instated to ensure the health and safety of North Carolinians,” the FAQ adds.
The state’s COVID-19 website also notes that if infections spike or benchmark trends (explained below) move in the wrong direction, then the state may move to a previous phase.
According to state health information attributed to Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen, there are at least 4 important factors that state leaders are watching which will determine the state’s readiness to continue the reopening process.
One state website emphasizes that the first four metrics below, and the NCDHHS COVID-19 site emphasizes the first four, but lists all seven factors as informing the decision to continue easing restrictions:
- COVID-like illness surveillance: A continued decrease is needed in the trend over time in number of people seeking treatment in the emergency department for symptoms suspicious of COVID-19, including mentions of COVID, or fever/chills and cough/shortness of breath in patients’ health records.
- Number of laboratory-confirmed cases: A decreased or sustained level of the number of new cases of COVID-19 confirmed by laboratory tests of samples.
- Percent positive tests: A decrease or sustained level is needed in the percent tests coming back positive over a two-week span.
- Hospitalizations: A decrease or sustained level is needed in the number of people currently hospitalized with COVID-19.
- Testing: North Carolina must have the capacity to complete 5,000-7,000 tests per day, as averaged over a 7-day span.
- Contact tracing: The state must have employed enough people to conduct contact tracing. A goal of 500 contact tracers is listed on the NCDHHS website.
- PPE: North Carolina must have a 30-day supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), including face shields, gloves, gowns, N95 respirators, and surgical masks.
OTHER STORIES
FACTS NOT FEAR
Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.
WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT
It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media.
NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE
The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.
You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information.
Stay connected to local, national, and breaking news: Download the new WFMY News 2 app.
►Text the word APP to 336-379-5775