Gyms and Pubs Are Opening in Every Neighboring State. Why Not Here?

Raleigh, N.C. — Every state that borders North Carolina has opened gyms, bars, and restaurants. But in North Carolina, Gov. Cooper continues to prohibit gyms and bars from operating.

Sen. Rick Gunn (R-Alamance) sponsored two bills to change that. The first, which passed the Senate with a broad 42–5 bipartisan vote, allows restaurants and bars to operate outdoors at 50 percent of capacity. States across the country have embraced the science that shows viral transmission is much less likely outdoors.

The second, which was heard in a Senate committee today, would follow the lead of every state bordering North Carolina by permitting gyms to reopen at limited capacity and with strict rules.

Sen. Gunn said, “It’s time to let people get healthy again by allowing them to exercise at the gym. Gov. Cooper walked with a throng of protesters without wearing a mask; it defies logic that after doing that, he would continue prohibiting people from exercising alone or sitting at an outdoor table to have a socially distanced drink.”

In Tennessee, gyms, restaurants, and bars have been open for a month. Is the science and data different across that border?

In Virginia, bars and restaurants are open and gyms will reopen in 48 hours. Is the science and data different across that border?

In South Carolina, gyms, bars, and restaurants are all open. Is the science and data different across that border?

In Georgia, gyms, bars, and restaurants are all open. Is the science and data different across that border?

Gov. Cooper needs to show the science, facts, and data underlying his opposition to bills to reopen gyms and expand outdoor seating options for restaurants and bars, which other states have embraced.

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