North Carolina moves to Phase 2.5 on Friday

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Photo credit Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper amended executive orders for the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday.  A condition called “Phase 2.5" to slow the spread of the virus across the state will go into effect on Friday at 5 PM ET. Some businesses will open back up with limited capacity and others will remain closed.

Here's an overview of what to expect with the new orders. 

Mass gathering limits will be raised from 10 to 25 people indoors and from 25 to 50 people outside.

Masks will be required in public for anyone age 5 and older, instead of 11 and older.

What opens back up to the public? 

Museums and aquariums (50% capacity)

Outdoor playgrounds (Fully open); Indoor playgrounds (30% capacity), or up to seven people per 1,000 square feet.

Gyms and other facilities, such as yoga studios and martial arts (30% capacity) 

Bowling alleys, indoor basketball and volleyball courts (30% capacity)

What remains closed for now? 

Movie theaters and indoor entertainment facilities, such as arcades, go-kart tracks

Bars and nightclubs

Amusement parks (Carowinds)

Cooper eased restrictions for the first time in months to err on the side of caution with growing COVID-19 concerns in the Carolinas. Phase 2 was extended three times due increased hospitalizations and deaths. "Our pause in Phase 2 was necessary," Cooper said at a news conference. "Moving to Phase 2.5 means that we can safely do a few more things while still fighting the virus as vigorously as ever."

As of Wednesday morning, North Carolina reported over 170,000 cases of Coronavirus with 2,769 deaths. 

The Phase 2.5 mandate is set to expire on Oct. 2.