The Transylvania Times -

Gov. Roy Cooper today announced that after a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina will take a modest step forward move into Phase 2.5 starting at 5 p.m. Friday. Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect and are even more important to contain the virus, Cooper said.

Phase 2.5 means the following :

•Mass gathering limits will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors from the current limit of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.

•Playgrounds may open.

•Museums and aquariums may open at 50 person capacity.

•Gyms and indoor exercise...