GREENSBORO, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper announced Tuesday that North Carolina will move into Phase 1 of easing restrictions of its stay-home-order.
The move is part of a three-phase plan to reopen the state. Gradually reopening North Carolina will help “prevent hot spots of viral spread while also beginning to bring our economy back,” Cooper said on the NorthCarolina.gov website.
Here’s what it means to enter into Phase 1:
- Modify the stay-at-home order allow travel not currently defined as essential allowing people to leave home for commercial activity at any business that is allowed to be open, such as clothing stores, sporting goods stores, book shops, houseware stores and other retailers.
- Ensure that any open stores implement appropriate employee and consumer social distancing, enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols, symptom screening of employees, accommodations for vulnerable workers, and provide education to employees and workers to combat misinformation
- Continue to limit gatherings to no more than 10 people
- Reopen parks that have been closed subject to the same gathering limitation. Outdoor exercise will continue to be encouraged.
- Continue to recommend face coverings in public spaces when 6 feet of distancing isn’t possible
- Encourage employers to continue teleworking policies
- Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and other congregant care settings
- Local emergency orders with more restrictive measures may remain in place.
Phase 1 is expected to last at least two to three weeks before we move into Phase 2, provided the state maintains key metrics.
Click here for complete details of the Phase One Reopening
Governor Roy Cooper today signed Executive Order No. 138t o modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 8 at 5 pm. Certain businesses remain closed as the state continues battling COVID-19.
“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”
“We must continue to protect our families and neighbors as we take this cautious step forward. When you leave your home, follow the three W’s: Wear a face covering, wash your hands, and wait six feet apart,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
Today’s Order removes the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity and will be required to direct customers to stand 6 feet apart, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more. The Order allows people to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.
Certain businesses remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take out and delivery.
All workers at retail and other businesses are recommended to wear cloth face coverings. Teleworking is still encouraged for businesses that can practice it.
Though small outdoor gatherings will be allowed in Phase 1, gatherings of more than 10 people generally are still prohibited. The Order encourages cloth face coverings to be worn when outside the home and in contact with others. Everyone who uses a face covering should adhere to this guidance without fear of profiling or bias.
During Phase 1, childcare facilities will be open to serve families of parents who are working or looking for work. These centers will be required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.
What businesses must remain closed during Phase 1?
The following businesses remain closed:
• Restaurants remain closed for dine-in services, but may continue to stay open
to provide drive-through, take-out, and delivery; '
• Personal care and grooming businesses, including barber shops, hair salons, and
nail salons, remain closed;
• Health clubs, fitness centers, gyms, and other indoor exercise facilities remain
closed, including yoga studios, martial arts facilities, indoor trampoline and
rock climbing facilities; and
• Entertainment facilities remain closed, including performance venues, movie
theaters, bowling alleys, and indoor and outdoor pools.