Shoppers, business owners anxious for phase 2 of reopening as COVID-19 cases spike
Over 800 new coronavirus cases were reported by the state in the past 24 hours. The news comes as more testing is being done and as businesses continue to welcome customers while also practicing social distancing.
Saturday's numbers are the largest spike in cases the state has had since the pandemic began. Gov. Roy Cooper's three-phase plan to reopen the state requires a reduction or stabilization in three main metrics: cases of coronavirus, percentage of positive tests and hospitalizations.
The question now is whether the spike will delay the start of phase two of reopening North Carolina, which could start at soon as Friday. Phase one allowed some businesses to reopen at 50% capacity and parks and trails also to reopen.
Even with the jump in cases, shoppers and business owners on Saturday said they are still eager to have more places open their doors.
While Cameron village isn't as full as it would normally be on a beautiful day in Raleigh, there was still a slow stream of people out and about. Only so many of them were wearing masks. Meanwhile, shops were doing what they could to promote social distancing and keeping products clean.
"People are just excited to be out," said Stacey Martonen, store manager of Impeccable Pig at Cameron Village. "I've had a lot of people that ... this weekend was their first weekend coming out and coming to shop with us."
Clothing store Impeccable Pig had a hand sanitizing station and workers steam each piece of clothing after its tried on. Mortonen said she can sense the excitement and many can’t wait to open their wallets to support the shops with their doors still closed."
Shoppers tend to agree that the next step in the reopening process needs to move forward.
"I think they should go forward with phase two," said shopper Bridgette Wilds. "I would be disappointed if we continued to ignore the economic impact on our town."
While it’s quieter now than normal, those that were there were social distancing by standing far apart. Many stores also had a capacity limit displayed.
