Citing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations over the past 14 days, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he plans to keep the state in phase three of its reopening for the next three weeks.

“We, North Carolinians, need to act responsibly and protect our loved ones by always wearing masks and keeping distance when we’re together,” Cooper said Wednesday. “Day in and day out, the virus is seizing opportunities to spread. The most dangerous time is when people drop their guard and think this isn’t serious.”