GREENSBORO, N.C. — A lot of North Carolina towns are shutting down this week at 8 p.m. It’s the beginning of the curfew in High Point and Greensboro.
What does that mean?
Does that really mean you can't go grocery shopping after 8 p.m. in Greensboro? Or you can't be at church for service or fellowship after 8 p.m? Yes. That's exactly what it means.
According to the city of Greensboro, church should be finished with all activities prior to 8 p.m.. so the congregation can return home by curfew.
“Businesses that generally operate 24 hours a day, such as transportation companies or manufacturing facilities, can remain in operation during the curfew.
Any business that is open to the public must close to the public during the hours of the curfew, but may have employees on-site for cleaning, re-stocking, or other functions,” the city's frequently asked questions say.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Curfew
1. Where does the curfew apply?
The curfew applies everywhere within the City of Greensboro.
2. What are the hours of the curfew?
The curfew begins at 8 pm and ends at 6 am, daily
3. How long will the curfew last?
The curfew began on Monday, June 1, 2020 and is in effect until it is modified or rescinded by the Mayor of Greensboro.
4. Who is exempt from the curfew?
Law enforcement officers, firefighters, public safety officials and other public employees while acting in the line of and within the scope of their respective duties; doctors, nurses, employees of hospitals and other medical facilities; on-duty military personnel, whether state or federal; on-duty employees of public utilities, public transportation companies; print or online newspaper, magazine, radio and television broadcasting companies operated for profit; individuals traveling directly between their place of work and their residence; anyone seeking medical care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness.
5. What are the penalties for breaking curfew?
Anyone other than the exempted persons listed above found in public within the City of Greensboro during the times the curfew has been established shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding $500 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, as provided by North Carolina General Statute § 14-4 and 14-288.20A, and City Ordinance Sec. 9-13.
6. I operate a business that is usually open 24 hours a day, but my business isn’t exempt from the curfew. Do I have to close my business? Can I or my employees stay overnight in my business?
Businesses that generally operate 24 hours a day, such as transportation companies or manufacturing facilities, can remain in operation during the curfew. Any business that is open to the public must close to the public during the hours of the curfew, but may have employees on site for cleaning, re-stocking, or other functions.
7. My business isn’t exempt from the curfew, but I usually have employees arrive at 3 am to open at 5 am. Can my employees come to work as usual at 3 am?
Yes. Traveling to and from work is permitted by the terms of the curfew. Any business that is open to the public must close to the public during the hours of the curfew, but may have employees on site for cleaning, re-stocking, or other functions.
8. I’m an Uber/Lyft driver who doesn’t live in Greensboro and want to operate in Greensboro during curfew hours. Am I allowed to drive during the curfew?
No, you must obey the curfew. Unless you fit within an exempt category or are traveling for an exempt purpose (FAQ #4), you are not allowed to travel in Greensboro during the curfew hours.
9. What if I have an emergency and need to get to a hospital or pick up prescription medication?
You can travel in case of an emergency. People in search of medical assistance are allowed to travel during the curfew. You can also call 911. Emergency workers can also travel during the curfew.