Info on the “Stay at Home Order'“
Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay at Home Order beginning Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. until April 29, 2020. The Executive Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others. Read the press release and the FAQs.
There are a number of business categories deemed essential; all other businesses are to close. Categories of essential business are listed in the order itself. (Skip past all the "whereas" and start looking below the "therefore" because it's written in proclamation language.) Note that conducting any sort of business is subject to following social distancing guidelines as follows:
Maintaining at least a six foot distance from other individuals;
Washing hands using soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or the use of hand sanitizer;
Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces;
Facilitating online or remote access by customers if possible.
There's a lot more detail in the order and the FAQs, but generally, these businesses can remain open. You can definitely still go to the grocery store, so don't go crazy.
Restaurants that provide take-out, drive-thru, or delivery
Grocery stores
ABC stores and beer and wine stores
Doctors and other healthcare providers
Pharmacies
Hardware stores
Post offices
Office supply stores
Gas stations and convenience stores
Veterinarians and pet supply stores
Hotels, airlines, buses, taxis, and rideshare services
Places of worship
Stay calm and take care of each other. If you have COVID-19 questions call 211, check the HHS website, or check this great page the New York Times has been compiling.
