UPDATED November 10th, 2020 – Governor Roy Cooper announced in a press conference that North Carolina will remain “Paused” in Phase 3 for the next three weeks. North Carolina has seen increased hospitalizations and trajectory of cases in recent weeks. Governor Cooper underscored the importance of wearing masks, social distancing, and using good judgment despite fatigue or frustration with the pandemic. For FAQ regarding the latest Executive Order, Click Here.

The following Phase 3 restrictions have been lowered: 

• North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down key COVID-19 metrics (The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits for businesses that have been already laid out)

The following Phase 3 restrictions remain in place:

• Large Outdoor Venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators; 
• Smaller outdoor entertainment venues may operate at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less;
• Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less;
• Bars may operate at 30% capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less;
• Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy;
• The 11p.m.curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to October 23

State and public health officials will continue watching key COVID-19 metrics over the next several weeks to determine is any further restrictions can be eased when the Executive Order announcing Phase 3 expires December 4. 

What remains the same under Phase 3?

• Mass gathering limits remain the same to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors;
• Restaurants are still subject to capacity limits and other requirements for in-person dining.
• Personal care businesses such as hair salons, nail salons, barber shops and more remain subject to capacity limits and other requirements.
• Large venues are subject to the mass gathering limits outlined above.
• Wedding receptions and other private events are subject to the mass gathering limits outlined above.
  Face coverings are still required in public.

“We are doing everything we can to slow the spread of this virus. This simple fact is we can’t do it on our own. Ignoring the virus doesn’t make it go away – just the opposite,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “As hard as this is, it will end. We will get through this. Let’s do it by looking out for one another. Whatever your reason, get behind the mask.” 

The state’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable. The Matthews Chamber has compiled this PPE Resource List to aid North Carolina business owners in procuring masks and other protective equipment for workers and patrons. We have also issued our Smart Restart Playbook, a free 64-page PDF that offers industry-by-industry guidance for businesses re-opening. Download a copy here.

For more information, visit the Governor’s website and the NC Department of Health & Human Services’ Covid-19 Dashboard.