On Sept. 1, Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 163, which moves North Carolina into Phase 2.5 starting on September 4 at 5 p.m. This order changes the amount of people allowed in mass gatherings (from 25 to 50), reopens playgrounds, and reopens businesses such as gyms and museums in a limited capacity. More information about the Executive Order can be found at https://governor.nc.gov/documents/executive-order-no-163