Phase 2 Coverage

Wake County Sheriff says no more events at Gooch Arena

After investigating an event at the Gooch Arena in Wendell, Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker said any other events scheduled at the venue must be canceled.

Tired of masks and social distancing? Try this psychologist's advice

If you are tired of masks and other COVID-19 protocols, you are not alone. It has been called "pandemic precaution fatigue."

Rick Armstrong, WRAL photojournalist

Business owners not happy with governor's plan to stay at Phase 2

WRAL's Julian Grace spoke with some business owners who said they are not happy with Gov. Roy Cooper's decision to keep the state in Phase 2 of the coronavirus recovery process.

Stress and bills pile up as bars remain shut down

Bar owners across North Carolina are struggling to pay their bills as the state's phase 2 COVID-19 restrictions persist for several more weeks, forcing their businesses to remain shuttered.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

Bar owner says stress, bills piling up with news they still can't reopen

Many business owners are reeling from the news that Phase 2 COVID-19 restrictions will last at least until Aug. 7. That means bars are among the businesses that will have to wait even longer to open their doors.

Future for private bar owners remains in doubt as state remains in Phase 2

With coronavirus numbers still high, Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday announced the state will remain in Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan for at least another three weeks.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Private bar owners still feeling pain as governor keeps them closed

WRAL's Aaron Thomas spoke with a private bar owner in Durham who is among those that have to remain closed as the state remains in Phase 2 of its reopening plan during the coronavirus pandemic.

Statewide mask requirement begins Friday, not all officials say they will enforce it

Governor Roy Cooper has issued a statewide mask requirement that begins Friday, June 26. Some public officials have expressed support for the order, while some officials are concerned about how to enforce the mask requirement. Two area sheriff's posted on Facebook that their offices wouldn't be enforcing the order, and said it's up to individuals if they wanted to wear a mask or not. Research shows wearing a mask is the best way to protect oneself and others from the novel coronavirus.

Bars and gyms to remain closed as reopening NC drive slows

WRAL's Kirsten Gutierrez spoke with owners of bars and gyms about the news they will remain closed as COVID-19 cases spike in North Carolina.

Statewide mask requirement begins Friday; businesses, customers can be cited if they don't comply

Gov. Roy Cooper's mandatory mask requirement in public will be enforceable for both customers and employees of open businesses, such as restaurants and grocery stores.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter & Kasey Cunningham, WRAL reporter

Face masks will be required in public in NC starting Friday

WRAL's Aaron Thomas spoke with several mayors and got their reaction after Gov. Roy Cooper mandated that face masks be worn in public starting Friday at 4 p.m.

With reopening of NC on hold, finding ways to keep kids entertained still challenging

WRAL's Leslie Moreno learns more about how a disruption in the reopening of North Carolina is making things challenging for families to keep children entertained. Businesses who can't open are also feeling the effects.

New business model: Durham gym offers outdoor classes with small groups

One Durham gym has developed a new business model in order to survive the pandemic, offering online classes, as well as outdoor classes that allow guests to space out 10 feet apart, with groups of less than 25 people.

Durham gym finds creative ways to stay afloat during extended Phase 2

Phase 2 of Governor Roy Cooper's COVID-19 reopening plan was extended for another three weeks. This means gyms will have to remain closed until July 17 when officials access the number of COVID-19 cases in the state.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL reporter

Owners of bars, gyms find out Wednesday if Gov. Cooper will allow them to reopen

Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to give an update on Wednesday regarding the state's next step in reopening.

Kirsten Gutierrez, WRAL reporter

Owners of bars, gyms hopeful at chance to reopen again

WRAL's Kirsten Gutierrez spoke with owners of bars and gyms to get their reaction at the possibility of being able to reopen again. Gov. Roy Cooper will hold a press conference Wednesday to address their status.

NC Zoo opens with safety measures for COVID-19

The NC Zoo reopened today--the first time its gates have opened in three months! Hundreds of guests visited, eager to see the animals again. However, a visit to the zoo amid an international pandemic looks and feels very different than it used to, and several changes were in place.

Glenwood South businesses discuss how to control crowds

After the large crowds seen gathered--without masks or social distancing precautions--over the weekend, business owners are now discussing ways to help control the crowds.

After crowds on Glenwood South, Raleigh to vote on requiring masks

As a result of the large crowds gathering in Glenwood South this weekend without masks or practicing social distancing, Raleigh's mayor is looking into requiring face masks.

Keely Arthur, WRAL reporter

Hundreds enjoy first day at NC Zoo since coronavirus closed it

After three months of being closed due to the pandemic, the NC Zoo opened its doors today as hundreds of excited guests came to visit. Some new changes and rules are in place to help make the NC Zoo a safer place for guests.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

Vacation during a pandemic: Short-term rentals, tourism rebounding in NC

As people begin planning their summer vacations, the short-term rental industry is seeing a boost. More and more people prefer to stay in an Air BnB instead of a traditional hotel--to help avoid public spaces where the virus could spread.

Glenwood South draws big crowds with no masks, limited social distancing

Despite the record-high hospitalization numbers due to COVID-19, Glenwood South was booming over the weekend, with crowds of people not wearing masks and practicing very limited social distancing.

Mark Boyle, WRAL reporter

Phase 2: Durham businesses face uncertainty reopening during potential riots

The start of Phase 2 allowed many restaurants more freedom to serve customers and begin regaining a more regular income. However, the potential for riots, looting and destruction have many keeping their windows boarded--even with the freedom that comes from Phase 2.

In Durham, local restaurants face uncertainty in Phase 2 reopening

Durham businesses and restaurants received the green light this week to resume operations with a few restrictions in Phase 2; however, local issues with looting and destruction have some remaining boarded up.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL Durham reporter

Memorial Day draws crowds to beaches, heats up debates about social distancing

Concerns about COVID-19 didn't stop big crowds from gathering at Carolina Beach on Sunday afternoon, enjoying the warm sun and May weather. Photos of crowded beaches and lakes heated up debates on whether or not visiting the beach was safe during this time.