Greenville Reporter

Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne), along with several other representatives, is expressing frustration with Gov. Roy Cooper's pace of reopening the state with posts on Facebook and in media outlets. 

“Like many, I am extremely frustrated and disappointed in the Governor’s [Roy Cooper] announcement today," Bell said on Facebook on May 20. 

North Carolina's second phase of reopening started on May 22, Neuse News reported. Restaurants are allowed to open with 50% capacity and other businesses such as salons and tattoo shops can open with limited capacity as well. 

"Businesses need certainty. However, the Governor has left them in the dark and continues to move the goalposts — while only adding more regulations," Bell said on Facebook. "This economic shutdown is killing people’s livelihoods, especially in our rural communities. People can’t work and they aren’t getting their unemployment benefits." 

But many other businesses will remain closed, including bars, movie theaters, gyms and bowling alleys, Neuse News reported. 

The slow pace at which the state is reopening is leaving businesses not knowing when they'll be able to open. 

"Our small businesses cannot afford to be shut down for another five weeks. There are not enough government loans to keep them afloat," Bell said on Facebook. "As I’ve been saying for weeks, there needs to be a regional approach. Greene County is not facing the same challenges as Mecklenburg County. I trust our counties and cities who know their communities best to put forth the right guidelines for their citizens and businesses.”