By WECT Staff | December 22, 2020 at 11:10 AM EST – Updated December 22 at 4:41 PM
RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – More than 90 percent of North Carolina counties are designated as red or orange in the latest COVID-19 County Alert update.
Orange signifies substantial community spread while red represents critical community spread.
“The county alert map shows how quickly things can escalate,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “As you think about the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays please avoid traveling and gathering. If you absolutely must, get tested ahead of time, wear a mask all the time, keep it small and keep it outdoors.”
There currently are 65 red counties, 27 orange and eight yellow.
In the Cape Fear region, Bladen and Pender counties are red while Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties are orange.
“North Carolina needs to drive down our numbers. To do that, we all need to change our holiday plans if you haven’t already,” Cooper said. “The best and safest option is to connect virtually or by phone. But if you gather in-person, keep it small and do it outside. Get a COVID-19 test before you go. Spread out the tables and chairs. Follow the modified Stay at Home Order and be home by 10 p.m. And, always, always wear a mask.”
You can watch Gov. Cooper’s news briefing below.
LIVE: Gov. Roy Cooper is scheduled to hold a COVID-19 media briefing today starting at 2 p.m.
Posted by WECT News on Tuesday, December 22, 2020
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