NC Governor Logo

Governor Cooper Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order Until April 29

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days, until April 29, 2020, in another step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Governor Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 takes effect on Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. and reduces the size of gatherings to 10 people. The Order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social distancing measures. The Order has the force of law and will be enforced in all 100 counties statewide.

“To continue our aggressive battle against COVID-19, I have signed a Stay at Home Order for the entire state of North Carolina. Though it is difficult, we must do this to slow the disease spread,” said Governor Cooper. “We need our medical system to be able to care for the friends and family we know will become seriously ill from the virus.”

The Governor noted today that three North Carolinians have died due to COVID-19 and the state has 763 confirmed cases of the virus in 60 counties. He called on all North Carolinians to protect themselves by staying home and following social distancing guidelines. North Carolina is now considered to have widespread transmission of the virus, which means people who have tested positive cannot trace where they were exposed to the virus.

The 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.

“I know this order may lead to even more hardship and heartache. Although we are physically apart, we must take this step together in spirit,” Governor Cooper said.

The Governor’s full order is available HERE [click.icptrack.com].

Unless noted in the order, previous closures and orders stand as written as do local government orders in cities and counties. Frequently Asked Questions about the Order can be found HERE [click.icptrack.com].

If you do not think your business is included in the essential services list, and you think it should be, you may apply online at the NC Department of Revenue to be designated essential HERE. Until your exemption is reviewed, you may operate as long as your business can accommodate social distancing in your workplace.

For more information about health recommendations and who is designated at high risk for becoming seriously ill, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.

NC Governor Logo

North Carolina Receives Federal Disaster Declaration for COVID-19

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The White House granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request late Wednesday for a federal disaster declaration for the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina.

The declaration provides Public Assistance to all 100 North Carolina counties, allowing local governments, state agencies and eligible non-profits to be reimbursed for costs involved in responding to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.

“This is good news for cities, towns and counties that are incurring expenses as their public health providers, first responders and emergency managers work to protect communities from COVID-19,” said Governor Cooper. “We know this response will be costly and this federal assistance will help cover them.”

North Carolina is still waiting for additional assistance that Cooper requested including disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, disaster case management and other items. They remain under review and could be granted as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

“We will continue working with FEMA as they review our request for more benefits for people impacted by this pandemic,” added Cooper.

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Public Health Update: Three Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Granville, Two in Vance

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

UPDATE: As of March 26, 2020, there were two additional known confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Granville County bringing the total number of cases to three. The two individuals are in the same household.

Vance County has a total of two known confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of March 26, 2020.

All individuals have cooperated with isolation restrictions since being tested and are currently in isolation at home. Families of individuals who are confirmed positive for COVID-19 have be given information about isolation and quarantine and asked to remain at home for 14 days.

Local public health officials will notify any individuals if they may have been at risk of being in contact with these individuals in accordance with North Carolina Division of Public Health Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Although the two family members traveled out of state recently, all of these cases are still considered community spread.

All 50 states have reported cases of COVID-19 to the CDC. Twenty-seven U.S. states are reporting some community spread of COVID-19. U.S. COVID-19 cases include:

  • Imported cases in travelers
  • Cases among close contacts of a known case
  • Community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown

COVID-19 test results are coming from many different labs and provider offices. More than 13,000 lab tests have been completed across NC, and approximately 100 tests have been completed for residents of Granville and Vance Counties since March 11, 2020.

Granville Vance Public Health will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information for COVID-19 in our district online at https://gvph.org/. You can also see the latest case counts, a map of affected counties, and new guidance for our state online at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc.

State guidance continues to require fever AND lower respiratory symptoms (cough or difficulty breathing) to be present in order to take a sample collection for testing. Although both counties have access to sample collection kits across different providers, testing is most important for people who are seriously ill, in the hospital, people in high-risk settings like nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers and other first responders who are caring for those with COVID-19.

Therefore, if you have mild symptoms such as fever and cough without shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, you should isolate yourself as if you have COVID-19. This will reduce the risk of making the people around you sick. You can call your doctor to see if you should be tested or need medical care.

If you are in isolation, you can stop isolating yourself when you answer YES to ALL three questions:

1. Has it been at least 7 days since you first had symptoms?
2. Have you been without fever for three days (72 hours) without any medicine for fever?
3. Are your other symptoms improved?

Call your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse or you have any concerns about your health. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve the most critically ill, so please do not use the emergency room unless you are very sick.

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Creates $1 Million COVID-19 Relief Fund

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

COVID-19 Relief Fund

In this time of unprecedented crisis, Cardinal Innovations is committed to our members’ needs and those that care for them. The social and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are real, and we are committed more than ever to ensuring that services and supports are available to those in need.

As part of our ongoing philosophy of community reinvestment, Cardinal Innovations has created the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local responsiveness in a way that impacts the health, wellness and stability of vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19, particularly individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders. We are placing a particular emphasis on initiatives that will make an immediate impact on the availability of social services and increase the community’s overall ability to serve those who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Cardinal Innovations is committing an initial total fund amount of $1,000,000 to provide assistance where it is most needed. Requests for grants up to $20,000 will be accepted, with award amounts to be aligned with the number of people reached and overall impact.

In order to facilitate responsiveness to immediate needs, Cardinal Innovations will accept applications on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic. We will deploy an expedited review process and make determinations as quickly as possible following grant submissions. Please contact Allison Stewart at allison.stewart@cardinalinnovations.org with any questions. Together we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Request for Grant Process Requirements and Guidelines:

  • Submissions can be completed online in the form below, or by sending this document (click here) by email to Allison.Stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.
  • The area of need should be explained, including how the investment will provide additional services and/or supports within the community, and how your proposal aligns with the mission of Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.
  • Proposals from the following 20 counties will be considered, and our goal is to distribute them as equitably as possible:
    • Alamance, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Vance and Warren
  • The following entities may submit a proposal for consideration:
    • Counties
    • Local Public School Systems/Districts and/or Higher Education Institutions
    • Municipalities
    • Non-profit community-based organizations
    • Healthcare providers who are implementing new programs currently not available for members (Cardinal Innovations is working closely with providers and DHHS to bolster existing programs through enhanced rates, expanded service arrays, etc.)
  • Grant requests are limited to one page. Supplemental brochures and/or letters of support are not necessary but can be submitted as supporting material via email at Allison.Stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.
  • A budget form must be submitted with your proposal. (download a budget form) This form should itemize expenses and justify how final dollar amounts were determined. Requests for grants up to $20,000 will be accepted.
  • We will consider one request per entity per quarter. Please contact us directly if you are experiencing extenuating circumstances.
  • A report detailing how the funds were utilized and impactful in the community must be submitted to Cardinal Innovations Healthcare by June 30, 2020.
  • Clarification questions may be asked at any time by submitting questions via email to Allison Stewart at allison.stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.cardinalinnovations.org/covid19-relief-fund.

Granville County Logo

Granville County Government Operational Changes – Updated March 26

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government continues to work closely with Granville-Vance Public Health and to take precautionary measures, following guidance from the local health department and from the CDC. With everyone’s safety in mind, these operational changes have been implemented in response to COVID-19:

Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled. Because the tax deadline has been changed to July 15, the tax assistance program has been temporarily suspended and will restart on Thursday, May 14 from 5 until 8 p.m., ending on July 9. Appointments currently on the books will be rescheduled and new appointments will be taken.

Home delivered meals continue and congregate meals (on-site) are available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to ask about being placed on a home-delivered route. KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library have been closed to the public as of March 21, but curbside service is available Monday through Friday at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch in Creedmoor. Library patrons can call or email either library to request materials for pickup between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then give the library a call upon arrival. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.)

In addition, all scheduled events and programs have been canceled and meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have also been postponed until further notice. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. The Thornton Library can be reached at 919-693-1121 and the phone number for the South Branch is 919-528-1752.

Department of Social Services: To better serve residents who need assistance, the Department of Social Services is also accepting applications for Food and Nutrition assistance, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance or any other economic service program through DSS online, by phone or by mail. To apply by phone, please call 919-693-1511. To apply online, please visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/social-services/. To apply by mail, send the application to P.O. Box 966, Oxford NC, 27565.

Granville County Animal Management: For safety precautions, please call the Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749 to make an appointment for adoptions, rescue pulls and viewing of lost animals. For a limited time, all fees for pet adoptions and rescue pulls will be waived. A majority of volunteers are also being asked to not visit at this time, but to please continue to support the Animal Shelter by sharing animals available for rescue and adoption, as well as notices for lost animals. Rabies vaccinations for owned animals have been suspended until further notice.

Animal Control officers continue to be on the job. Please call 919-693-6749 during normal operating hours of Monday through Friday, noon until 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., as most animal control concerns can be addressed over the phone. If you have an animal-related emergency, please call 9-1-1 to have Animal Control Officers contacted, who are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Granville County Courthouse: As of March 23, the Granville County Clerk’s Office will be interacting with the public through their cashiering window. Residents are encouraged to call 919-699-4800 before coming to the courthouse, as there are a number of matters that can be handled over the phone or through the N.C. Courts’ website at www.nccourts.gov. By order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020.

Exceptions are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.

Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk. The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled.

Granville County Sheriff’s Office: As of March 23 and until further notice, only one person will be admitted inside the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office at a time. Visitation in the Granville County Jail is also restricted until further notice. Fingerprint services have been suspended until April 13. Effective immediately, crime reports of a non–violent nature will be taken over the phone or by email, if at all possible. These reports include, but are not limited to, misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams.  The phone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 919-693-3213 and the email address is granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org. For more serious concerns, all residents are asked to call 9-1-1.

Granville County 9-1-1: Residents should be aware that telecommunicators are screening all calls for COVID-19 symptoms. Any “yes” answers to the questions asked will be relayed to emergency responders so that they will be prepared and aware.

Inspections and Planning: As of Monday, March 23, the Planning and Inspections Department will be closed to the public. Residents can reach staff members by phone or by email. Appointments that are necessary will be made. In addition, a drop box will be located in the hallway for plan and application submittals. Field inspections will continue but may be limited. Online payment access is also available. Call 919-603-1326 to have an online payment link sent to your email address.

Tax Department: The Granville County Tax Office encourages all taxpayers to call for an appointment prior to their visit. Online payments are also accepted at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/online-payments/. Call 919-693-4181 for assistance.

Granville County Board of Elections: The Granville County Board of Elections is closed to the general public but will be taking calls at 919-693-2515 for information and appointments.

Granville County Office of N.C. Forest Service: The Granville office location is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Burning permits will be made available online at ncforestservice.gov. Residents should be aware that staffing adjustments may increase response times for inquiries and assistance. To reach a staff member, call 919-482-2301. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open. With the exception of playground equipment, the walking trails and other open spaces are available for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations, including the practice of social distancing. Remember that gatherings should be limited to 50 people or less.

Soil and Water Conservation: The Soil and Water Conservation office is closed to the public until further notice; however, the Natural Resource Conservationist continues to work in the office and in the field and can be reached at 919-693-4603 or at byron.currin@granvillecounty.org.

Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.

VGCC Small Business Center Offering Free ‘Coronavirus Business Ready’ Webinars

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Sheri Jones, Director, VGCC Small Business Center

In an effort to support our local businesses and offer encouragement and help where we can, the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a 7-part series of free, live webinars entitled “Coronavirus Business Ready – Protecting Your Small Business.”

Each part addresses various areas of concern that all businesses are currently facing, including:

Prepare Your Business to Borrow Money Before Negative Economic Shifts –

March 31, 9:30 – 11 a.m. (Register)

Keeping Customers & Employees Safe During Unsettling Times –

April 2, 2 – 3 p.m. (Register)

Promoting Your Business & Products During a Crisis –

April 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing During a Pandemic Shutdown –

April 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

How to Manage Employees as Coronavirus Spreads –

April 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Business Planning & Strategizing as a Coronavirus Antidote –

April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Communicating With Customers & Employees in Light of COVID-19 –

April 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Participants must register at least two days prior to each session with a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately an hour prior to the start time.

Please know that your VGCC Small Business Center is here to support you during this challenging time! We can be contacted via email at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.

NC Governor Logo

North Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Associated Deaths

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths.

A person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late seventies and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in their sixties, from Virginia who was traveling through North Carolina, also died from COVID-19 complications. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about these patients will be released.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones. This is a stark warning that for some people COVID-19 is a serious illness. All of us must do our part to stop the spread by staying at home as much as possible and practicing social distancing,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 stay at home to the extent possible to decrease the chance of infection. On March 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated who is at high risk for severe illness. People at high risk include anyone who:

  • Is 65 years of age or older
  • Lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • Has a high-risk condition that includes:
  • chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • heart disease with complications
  • compromised immune system
  • severe obesity – body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
  • other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, renal failure or liver disease

In addition, pregnant women should be monitored closely since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness. However, data so far on COVID-19 has not shown an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in pregnant women.

While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants.

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com] and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com].

Granville County Logo

Several Granville Co. Board of Commissioners Meetings Canceled or Postponed

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The joint meeting with the Granville County Board of Commissioners and the Granville County Board of Education announced for March 30, 2020, has been postponed until a later date to be determined.

The Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for April 6, 2020, has been moved to April 20, 2020, at 7 p.m. at the Granville County Expo Center.

The pre-budget work sessions scheduled for April 20 and April 23 have been canceled. Budget work session dates will be determined later.

Golden LEAF Deploys $15M to NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, The Golden LEAF Foundation

The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan.

The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program (https://ncrapidrecovery.org/) is managed by the NC Rural Center, a statewide nonprofit that has been supporting small business owners for more than 30 years. The Rural Center will lead a broad coalition of nonprofit lending partners to directly assist small business owners. Participating Rapid Recovery organizations include Business Expansion Funding Corporation (BEFCOR), Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Mountain BizWorks, Natural Capital Investment Fund, and Thread Capital.

“Small businesses are more than just job providers, they are pillars of our communities,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “They need our support now more than ever, and this program can help people across the state as we weather the effects of this pandemic.”

Speaker of the House Tim Moore said, “This rapid response by the Golden LEAF Foundation to support North Carolinians through the COVID-19 crisis will provide immediate financial benefit for folks who are hurting during an uncertain economic upheaval, serving as a strong example of our state activating every asset available to help families and businesses in all 100 counties through this difficult time.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger said, “This action by Golden LEAF is welcome news and much needed. Everybody — the private sector and local, state, and federal governments — will need to work toward the common goal of restarting the economic engine once this crisis passes.”

“The Golden LEAF Board of Directors is making funds available to help meet the immediate needs of businesses affected by the pandemic by building upon a model used following Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, and Dorian,” said Bo Biggs, Golden LEAF Board Chair. “This program is designed to assist businesses working to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Loan or other commercial loan but that have more immediate needs for capital.”

The federal government has made Economic Injury Loans available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) in all 100 North Carolina counties. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program will complement the SBA by providing a bridge until businesses can access funding from the SBA.

“The Golden LEAF Foundation recognizes the critical role small-business owners play in our state’s economy,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President, Chief Executive Officer of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “The ‘LEAF’ in Golden LEAF stands for Long-term Economic Advancement Foundation. Golden LEAF cannot let this pandemic cause irreparable economic damage to our state’s small businesses.”

Small-business owners affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) can learn more about the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program and apply for a loan at https://ncrapidrecovery.org/. To speak with someone about this program or other resources available to small businesses, contact BLNC at 800.228.8443.

NC Governor Logo

Governor Extends School Closure Date To May; Orders Group Limit To 50 People

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

On March 23, Governor Roy Cooper ordered tighter limits on gatherings and extended school closures statewide to May 15, 2020. The order also closed some businesses that require close social interaction and limited visitors to long-term care centers.

The Executive Order’s effective date will be Wednesday, March 25.

“Each and every choice we are making is intended to flatten the curve and provide our health care system the ability to treat the sickest patients in the coming months. This is what we need to do to slow the spread of this illness and protect the health and safety of North Carolinians,” Governor Cooper said.

Also Monday, the Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration for North Carolina was received by FEMA. This specifically requested Individual Assistance, Crisis Counseling Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance and more.

50-PLUS MEMBER GATHERINGS BANNED; CLOSE-CONTACT BUSINESSES CLOSED

Monday’s announcement prioritized social distancing by lowering the threshold on large gatherings to ban crowds of more than 50 people. To stay consistent with this number, it will require certain businesses to close, including:

  • Bingo Parlors, including Bingo sites operated by charitable organizations
  • Bowling Alleys
  • Indoor Exercise Facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios, martial arts facilities, indoor trampoline and rock-climbing facilities)
  • Health Clubs
  • Indoor Pools
  • Live Performance Venues
  • Movie Theaters
  • Skating Rinks
  • Spas
  • Sweepstakes Lounges
  • Video game arcades
  • Barber Shops
  • Beauty Salons (including waxing and hair removal centers)
  • Hair Salons
  • Nail Salons/Manicure/Pedicure Providers
  • Massage Parlors
  • Tattoo Parlors

Grocery stores and restaurants providing takeout and delivery will remain open. Additionally, Governor Cooper reminded North Carolinians to show restraint in buying groceries and supplies.

“I know today’s orders cause hardship for a lot of people. I do not treat these decisions lightly,” added Governor Cooper. “We have made them in the interest of health and safety.”

SCHOOL DEADLINE EXTENDED, EDUCATION LEADERSHIP TO BUILD PLAN FOR EDUCATION

The May 15 school closure date is based on current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the situation in North Carolina evolves, more may be needed. Governor Cooper has asked the State Board to collaborate with the Department of Public Instruction and legislators to:

  • develop a plan to ensure access to a quality education for students through the remainder of the school year.
  • provide students with remote learning while school buildings are closed.
  • ensure that all school employees – including janitors, bus drivers, teaching assistants and cafeteria workers — will work in safe environments and be paid.

MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS, SUPPLIES NEEDED

Also Monday, Cooper highlighted the need for medical and health care workers and urged qualified, available professionals to volunteer by signing up at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. Already more than 300 people have volunteered.

Specifically, the Governor highlighted the need for doctors and nurses, pharmacy, imaging and respiratory care, and facility maintenance and administrative support workers.

Critical supplies and equipment like masks, gloves, and gowns are low. Governor Cooper is convening North Carolina’s top manufacturers to explore transitioning production lines to start making these critical supplies.

The full order is available HERE.