The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department's weekly newscast.
All tagged reopening
NCDHHS urges North Carolinians to “Vax Up or Mask Up” following CDC guidance on face coverings
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching a new public campaign encouraging North Carolinians to "Vax Up or Mask Up” to support the new guidance that lifts many of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Following new CDC Guidance on face coverings, Governor Cooper lifts many COVID-19 restrictions
Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. shared an update on the state’s COVID-19 progress. Throughout the pandemic, state officials have taken a data-driven approach and have been guided by the science in making decisions.
Republicans urge Cooper to allow more fans for Canes’ playoff games
The National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup playoffs start this weekend, and, as it turns out, the Carolina Hurricanes are one of the best teams in the league, albeit in a shortened 56-game season.
DMV Resumes Saturday hours at 16 offices
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, which last week resumed regular road testing for certain drivers after a year absence, is also going to bring back Saturday hours at select driver license offices, as well as expand weekday hours at more than two dozen locations.
Governor Cooper visits Buncombe County vaccine site as state continues to encourage people to get their Shot
Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen visited a vaccine clinic at Mission Health / Asheville-Buncombe Technical Conference Center (A-B Tech) to see people receive their vaccine.
As vaccinations rise, Cooper further eases COVID-19 restrictions
Gov. Roy Cooper is further easing restrictions on state residents and businesses that began one year ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Cooper announces North Carolina will relax some COVID-19 restrictions
As North Carolina’s trends continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases with 31.7% of North Carolinians over 18 having received at least one dose of vaccine, Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions.
Senate leader, governor negotiating agreement to reopen schools
N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, says lawmakers are negotiating with Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, on a plan to reopen schools.
Parents, school leaders describe consequences of remote-only learning
Parents in 14 North Carolina public school districts would have the option of sending their children to full-time, in-person instruction under a local bill approved by the N.C. House K-12 Education Committee on Tuesday, March 9.
Cooper, state lawmakers announce school reopening deal
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican lawmakers have reached an agreement on reopening public schools for in-person instruction under a compromise plan that returns most decision-making autonomy to local school boards.
Efforts to reopen N.C. classrooms ramp up, despite Cooper’s veto
The N.C. State Board of Education passed a resolution Thursday, March 4, calling on all public school districts to give parents the option of in-person learning by the end of March. The education board’s action is the latest step in a growing consensus to swiftly reopen school classrooms across the state.
Senate to try again to override veto of school-reopening bill
After coming up one vote short in its first effort to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a bill to reopen schools, the Senate is moving to try again.
Republican effort to overturn veto on reopening schools falls short
The N.C. General Assembly on Monday, March 1, tried but failed — by one vote, 29-20 — to override the governor’s veto of a bill to reopen schools, even as students — parents, too — suffer, and opinion polls show residents want children back in the classroom.
Mental health advocates support return of full-time classroom instruction
Mental health experts who are also parents with students in Wake County Public Schools are sounding an alarm over a rising mental health crisis due to a lack of full-time classroom instruction.
Cooper makes move to re-open bars, says more government money is needed
Private bars will open at limited capacity under a new executive decree from the governor, although at the same time he called for more direct government aid to prop up failing businesses.
Judge struggles to find distinction that would keep N.C. bars closed
A Superior Court judge asked repeatedly Thursday, Feb. 18, for evidence that would justify state government orders that keep private bars closed across North Carolina.
Senators introduce bill increasing attendance at high school events
Republican Senate lawmakers have introduced a bill that would change the 100-person capacity limit at outdoor high school sporting venues.
General Assembly passes bill to reopen schools, but governor signals a veto
The N.C. House and Senate have come to terms on legislation to reopen schools for in-person instruction. But Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, has indicated he will veto it, even though he says he wants students back in school.
State House, Senate at impasse over school reopening bill
Majorities of the House and Senate agree that N.C. schools need legislative prodding to reopen, but they’re struggling to come to terms on how to do it.