UPDATED September 1, 2020 – Today Governor Roy Cooper announced that after a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina takes a modest step forward into what he calls “Phase 2.5.” Mask and social distancing mandates remain in place, but beginning this Friday, September 4th at 5pm the following less restrictive directives take effect throughout North Carolina:

• Mass gathering limits increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors (from the current limit of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors);
• Playgrounds may open;
• Museums and aquariums may open at 50% capacity;
• Gyms and indoor exercise facilities, such as yoga studios, martial arts, and rock climbing, as well as skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor basketball, volleyball etc., may open at 30% capacity. Gyms must also space equipment six feet apart, ensure individuals remain six feet apart during group fitness classes, and implement cleaning and sanitation protocols.

The Executive Order announcing Phase 2.5 remains in effect until Friday, October 2, 2020 at 5 PM.

In addition, NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen issued a Secretarial Order allowing for outdoor visitation at nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. To participate, nursing homes must meet several requirements, including, but not limited to, having no current outbreak, having a testing plan and updated written Infection Control or Preparedness plan for COVID-19, and having adequate personal protective equipment. The Secretarial Order is effective as of September 4 at 5 PM and remains in effect through September 22, 2020.

What remains the same under Phase 2.5?

• Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, amusement parks, dance halls, and other entertainment facilities remain closed.
• 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.

State Continues “Dimmer Switch” Approach

“Safer at Home Phase 2.5 continues our state’s dimmer switch approach to easing some restrictions,” explained Governor Cooper. “We can do this safely only if we keep doing what we know works — wearing masks and social distancing. In fact, a new phase is exactly when we need to take this virus even more seriously.”

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen stability in our key metrics.

“As we take modest steps forward today, it’s important to remember that moving forward doesn’t mean letting up on slowing the spread of the virus. Our progress is fragile, and we need to maintain focus on the 3Ws especially as we head into flu season,” said Secretary Cohen.

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.