Governor Roy Cooper says he plans to implement more restrictions for retail stores to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
During Tuesday afternoon's briefing, Cooper did not say exactly what would be in the order, but he applauded businesses that have limited the number of customers in their stores at one time to promote social distancing.
He also pointed to projections released this week that suggest social distancing measures are working, though he would not say whether the statewide stay-at-home order would be lifted when it expires on April 29.
"We're asking people that, at least through April where our order is in place, to obey those orders and put us in the best possible place we can be to get ready to make decisions about what we're going to do in May," he said.
Cooper said he also intends to issue an executive order easing health regulations to free up more hospital beds as the health care system continues to prepare for an influx of patients.