NC curfew lifted, other COVID-19 restrictions eased: Here’s what has changed Joe Bruno Replay Video Some COVID-19 restrictions in North Carolina have now been lifted. With cases and other key metrics trending downward in North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday announced the state would ease gathering and occupancy restrictions and end its 10 p.m. statewide curfew starting Friday at 5 p.m. For the first time since early into the coronavirus pandemic, the Democratic governor is allowing bars and taverns to offer indoor service. His new executive order also increases alcohol sale cutoff times by two hours from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. and lets those businesses operate at 30% capacity up to 250 people.