At 5:00 p.m. on May 22nd, North Carolina moved into Phase 2 of a three-part plan to resume business and social activities. What does this mean for North Carolina residents? Here is a guide:
What Is Open?
- The statewide Stay-At-Home order is lifted, although Governor Cooper recommends that vulnerable people stay at home.
- People can gather in groups of no more than ten people indoors or 25 people outdoors.
- Face coverings are recommended for use in all public settings, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail businesses. Face coverings are recommended for use outdoors where 6 feet of distance is not possible.
- Face coverings are recommended for restaurant workers indoors, outdoors in public, and when social distancing is impossible.
- Face coverings are required for workers in personal care, grooming, and tattoo businesses.
- Remote working is still highly recommended.
- Restaurants can reopen dining rooms at 50% capacity, or no more than 12 customers per 1,000 square feet. Tables should be 6 feet apart, and people seated at bars or counters should be spaced at least 6 feet apart.
- Salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, and other personal care and grooming businesses can reopen at 50% capacity or no more than 12 customers per 1,000 square feet.
- Retail stores must limit customers to 50% capacity, or no more than 12 customers per 1,000 square feet. They should mark 6-foot intervals to allow for social distancing.
- Overnight and day camps can reopen, but they must conduct daily health screenings on workers and patrons.
- Child care facilities can reopen, but they must establish dropoff/pickup procedures to keep parents outside and limit contact between staff and parents. Anyone entering the facility must submit to a health screening.
- Swimming pools can reopen at 50% capacity or no more than one person per 33 square feet of deck area. 10 people can be in the water for every 1,000 square feet.
- Religious and worship services, funerals, and weddings do not have any state-imposed limits, although it is recommended that groups of people from different households maintain at least 6 feet of space between them.
- Drive-in theatres may open as long as patrons remain in their cars.
- Sports and concerts can be held at indoor or outdoor venues with a capacity of at least 500. Spectators are allowed, where 6 feet of distance can be maintained, at up to 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors.
- Long-term care visitation is restricted, except for certain compassionate care situations.
- State parks and trails opening is encouraged.
What Is Still Closed?
- Public playgrounds
- Bars
- Movie theatres, museums, gaming parlors, and amusement parks
- Gyms and indoor fitness centers
Phase 2 is expected to last at least five weeks. At the end of 5 weeks, the Governor will determine whether the State has progressed in specific metrics regarding COVID cases, sufficient to move into Phase 3.
During this time, please remember that The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is here for you and is committed to assisting you with your case.
All of our five offices are open and staffed. We are also able to handle cases remotely during this time. We have offices in Charlotte, Hickory, and Concord, North Carolina, and in Rock Hill in South Carolina.
