Governor Cooper’s photo courtesy of ncdps.gov

Local state and federal representatives expressed concerns following Gov. Roy Cooper’s announcement on Thursday of a phased plan for reopening North Carolina’s economy from the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

In his statement, Cooper extended the current stay-at-home order and business closures to May 8, while also announcing the metrics and timetables for three phases of reopening.

“It’s clear that we are on the right path but...our state is not ready to lift restrictions yet. It’s important to get our economy moving forward. We’re helping with unemployment payments, stimulus money and the businesses that continue to be open. But I won’t risk the health of our people or our hospitals. And easing these restrictions now would do that.”

“This decision is based on the data that we see in our critical categories. I know people want our lives and our livelihoods back, and I have a plan to do that. But first we will need to hit certain metrics in order to do that,” Cooper said.

Rep. Greg Murphy, the congressional representative for North Carolina’s 3rd district, said in a statement that he is concerned with the economic impact of the continued shutdown. 

“The Governor has continued the present statewide restrictions until May 8th. As a physician and scientist, I am looking at the same data. As pendulums swing, this one did appropriately to one side. I think we have a wealth of indicators that tell us we can begin using safe measures to slowly reopen segments of our economy,” Murphy said. 

Murphy compared the current unemployment rate to those of the Great Depression, expressing his fears for the economic toll.

“Unemployment creates poverty and poverty creates despair. I fear if we continually push reopening down the road, we may pass a point extremely difficult to return from,” Murphy warned. 

Murphy made clear that he is not in favor of an immediate and “aggressive reopening of the economy,” due to the continued risks of COVID-19, but said he believes there is a middle ground to be found.

“If we all put our heads together and think of innovative ways to limit human contact at places like restaurants, barber shops and other small businesses, we can slowly and progressively reopen the economy,” Murphy said.

NC Sen. Jim Perry said he learned of the plan along with the rest of the state. His office began receiving phone calls and emails before the press conference ended, Perry said, expressing the concerns of constituents over the impact of a continued shutdown on businesses and workers. 

“We have a bunch of good people who don’t know where to turn, and they are scared,” Perry said. 

Perry said Cooper’s references to available unemployment assistance did not acknowledge the continued difficulties many face in receiving funds from unemployment applications. 

“Governor Cooper has had to make some tough decisions. I believe his early decisions were appropriate, based upon the information he had available. I think there is broad agreement that we all want to restart our economy as safely as possible. Figuring out a better balance is going to be key. It breaks my heart to listen to the despair in these voices,” Perry said.

NC Rep. Chris Humphrey also expressed concern over the extension of the stay-at-home order in a statement to Neuse News.  

“While I acknowledge the difficulty of such a decision and understand the desire to protect the health and well being of North Carolinians by Governor Cooper, my constituents are hurting financially. Many have lost their jobs and income and small business owners may never recover.”

“It’s important to look forward statistically as well and it’s my desire to begin the phasing immediately to minimize further economic damage. It is also imperative that each and every citizen be diligent in controlling the spread of the virus,” Humphrey said.

At 2:00 pm on Friday, April 24, Governor Cooper, education leaders and members of the Coronavirus Task Force will hold a briefing on COVID-19 updates.