NC Gov. Cooper issues new COVID safety rules for May. Answers to common questions. Brooke Cain, The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) Apr. 28—Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that current COVID restrictions will ease a bit for the month of May. Cooper also reiterated that nearly all COVID-19 restrictions affecting businesses and social gatherings could be lifted by June 1. But in the meantime, here are answers to common questions about the new rules. What's the big change for May? The most significant change will be for mass gatherings, such as parties, weddings and funerals. The new capacity for indoor gatherings increases from 50 to 100 people, and from 100 to 200 people for outdoor gatherings.