Sept. 23. Effective Oct. 2, outdoor venues that seat more than 10,000 will be permitted to open at 7 percent capacity with key safety precautions in place. The announcement was made today by NC Gov. Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen.

“We will continue analyzing our data and indicators as we determine how to move forward safely in other areas that may be included in the new order on Oct. 2. In it, we hope to ease some other restrictions, while still keeping safety protocols like masks, social distancing, and mass gathering limits in place,” Cooper said.

Nevertheless, everyone should “stay vigilant” about wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart and washing their hands often, Cohen said.

State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next week to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires Oct. 2 at 5 pm.