05/25/2020
DCDHHS’ COVID-19 Update #2
Thursday, May 21, 2020
12:15 p.m.
North Carolina moves into Safer at Home Phase 2 Tomorrow
Yesterday in a press conference, Governor Roy Cooper announced North Carolina would be moving into Safer at Home Phase 2 on Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. After two weeks in Phase 1, the state’s overall key indicators remain stable but the continued increases in daily case counts signal a need to take a more modest step forward in Phase 2 than originally envisioned. The phase runs through at least Friday, June 26 unless changed or canceled. Some key changes include:
Phase 2 lifts the Stay At Home order moving into a Safer At Home recommendation, especially for people at high risk for serious illness. Teleworking is also urged when possible.
Mass gathering limits in Phase 2 will be no more than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in most circumstances. These limits apply to the following: event venues; conference centers; stadiums and sports arenas; amphitheaters; and groups at parks or beaches.
Some businesses will remain closed in Phase 2 including: bars; night clubs; gyms and indoor fitness facilities; indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, and bowling alleys.
Certain businesses will be open at limited capacity with other requirements and recommendations including: restaurants (see guidance) are to limit the number of customers in indoor and outdoor seating areas (See Executive Order 141) along and adherence with distancing and cleaning requirements; personal care businesses, including salons and barbers, at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; pools at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees of personal care businesses (grooming, massage, and tattoo businesses) will be required to wear face coverings and put at least six feet of distance between customers at 50 percent reduced occupancy.
Indoor and outdoor pools can open with 50 percent reduced occupancy while following specific public health requirements
Childcare facilities, day camps and overnight camps are allowed to be open with enhanced cleaning and screening requirements. Retail businesses allowed to open in Phase 1 at 50% capacity will continue at that level.
Public health recommendations are provided for worship services to practice enhanced social distancing and other cleaning and hygiene practices.
More information on Safer at Home Phase 2 can be found in Executive Order 141 or in Frequently Asked Questions about Executive Order 141.
