Raleigh businesses and activities carry on as COVID-19 cases rise

But, a number of restaurants and customers were being cautious.

Some people wore masks, while others went without.

People said in the middle of the pandemic, they are still trying to figure it out.

"It is great to be out here, even with all of this COVID mess," one person told WRAL News.

On Thursday, Cooper presses businesses statewide to verify whether employees are vaccinated. If they are not, Cooper recommended employers require their employees to wear masks and take a weekly virus test.

But, some restaurant owners said they wanted more guidance from Cooper.

"I think, at this point, it is an individual decision [how] to run your business. I have friends that are serving only vaccinated people, said SOCA owner Sean Degnan. "I've had friends that had to close down a day or two to get everyone tested."

Some Triangle businesses to verify vaccinations, others leaving it up to personal choice

At SOCA, Degnan said all employees are fully vaccinated.

They are still serving people inside and outside the restaurant.

The Connor family said they were on the way to eat downtown after attending the GalaxyCon convention.

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the family said they planned on eating their meal in the car.

"I've been vaccinated. That is the big thing -- we are just trying to keep our distance and keep our mask on," said Lee Connor.

"We all had masks on [and] a lot of other people had masks on. It is nice to at least go out," he added.

Restaurant owners said they are constantly trying to keep up the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Cooper to stay connected to the latest guidance.

"If more people got vaccinated, we oculd put this behind us," said Degnan.