Springtime in October as NC COVID-19 Numbers Start to Level Out
October felt like Springtime in Fayetteville, as small businesses opened their doors for a budding new start when North Carolina Governor announced phase three of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The press release came after the Executive Order 169 was issued by Governor Roy Cooper, who eased restrictions on certain businesses and operations to limited capacity for indoors and outdoors occupancy.
The NC executive branch over-stretched agencies monitored every County, like a proud parent with a wobbly toddler, to catch a spike in the COVID cases before it hurts the State’s economy again.
Secretary of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. said, “By practicing the 3 Ws--wear, wait and wash -- getting your flu shot, and downloading the slowCOVIDNC app, each of us can protect the progress we have made.”
As the governor and his executive think tank implemented new strategies to jump-start stalled small businesses affected by the earlier statewide shutdown, the workforce in downtown Fayetteville, NC, knew the sound of constant vehicles and shoppers’ chatter on Hay, Gillespie, Person, and Green Street meant businesses were open around the Historic Market House once again.
Laura Laycock, a manager of City Center Gallery and Books, located at 112 Hay Street, face-covering could not prevent the eloquent speaking woman from spreading her passion and optimism for the future.
Before Laura sat at her desk, she was portrayed among a cascading waterfall of books.
Laura said she felt safer wearing her mask, keeping the social distance but also optimistic about the upcoming months as the holidays approach.
"I feel good about the upcoming months, and things are going to be different, we have to think outside the box," said Laura. “We normally have a Dickens holiday which is a big celebration, but we are going to alter it this year by not hosting it on one day, instead we are going to have it on several weekends and continue with that theme and celebrate the holiday season."
Cumberland County in October 2020, was a significant contrast to August 2020.
In August, Downtown Fayetteville appeared like a sleeping child and the old Market House kept a peaceful watch like a protective parent.
Now, the baby is awake.
Pedestrians shopped, dined, and walked around the city streets in a mask, and workers uphold the NC DHHS guidance in the confidence of slowing down the spread of the deadly disease.
In this COVID-19 amber phase and the holidays approaching, Laura said her experience over the past months has made her more resilient and enthusiastic about life.
"And as you go through, there is something that comes out of it that you didn't notice before. It's like I learn a great deal from whatever I went through," said Laura. "And let us go forward, be happier, healthier, love each other more, have our friends and family, and enjoy that happiness. Life is too dam short, just too short."
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