CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools says it will soon begin allowing 500 spectators at outdoor sporting events following the upcoming ease in coronavirus-related restrictions announced by Gov. Roy Cooper Wednesday.

Cooper said in a news conference that metrics across the state have shown improvement, and as a result, he will be lifting the modified stay at home order, which is the current 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, when it expires at 5 p.m. on February 26.

The governor also announced an ease in other restrictions, which includes the limit on attendance at outdoor sports fields, stadiums, and similar venues. Those will now be allowed to operate at 30% capacity.

As a result of these modifications, CMS says, beginning March 1, home teams will be allowed 300 spectators and visiting teams will be allowed 200 spectators for outdoor athletic events. Face coverings will still be required at all times and social distancing measures will remain in effect, the district says.

Officials say more information and final details regarding the basketball playoff games scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27 will be released Friday morning by the North Carolina High School Athletics Association.