Rep. John Bell (R-Greene) questioned why the North Carolina governor continues to keep gyms and bars closed during COVID-19. | Stock Photo
Rep. John Bell (R-Greene) questioned why the North Carolina governor continues to keep gyms and bars closed during COVID-19. | Stock Photo
Rep. John R. Bell (R-Greene) on his Facebook page called for an explanation from Gov. Roy Cooper why the state is the last in the country to still have gyms closed because of the COVID-19 virus.
Bell featured a map of the U.S. on his Facebook on Aug. 26 with North Carolina at the only state colored red and the statement “Why Gov. Cooper?"
Cooper extended Phase 2 of reopening in North Carolina by five weeks — meaning that bars, gyms and other sectors will remain closed because of the pandemic until at least Sept. 11.
“With the hustle and bustle of opening schools, people will move around more — and so will the virus,” Cooper said at a press conference, WBTV reported on Aug. 5. “Other states that lifted restrictions quickly have had to go backward as their hospital capacity ran dangerously low and their cases jumped higher. We will not make that mistake in North Carolina.”
Cooper has vetoed legislative attempts by Republicans to open gyms back up.
Welcoming a new addition
Bell said on Facebook that he attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 23 for a new Automotive and Collision Repair Building at Wayne Community College campus.
The Republican lawmaker said the new facility, funded in part by a General Assembly bond, would be an asset to the college and the local community.
The 34,000-square-foot $7-million facility, which broke ground in June, features an auto showroom look and has classrooms, repair bays, workrooms and offices under one roof.
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