State of North Carolina, Durham County and City Enter Stay at Home Order Phase 3 Effective Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

• Its new provisions include:
  • Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators.
  • Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only.
  • The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
  • The 11 pm curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to October 23.

For more information, see the press release.

 

State of North Carolina Limits the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages to be Consumed on Premises After 11 p.m., Effective July 31

Executive Order 153, effective on July 31, 2020, stops the sale of alcoholic drinks in restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries at 11 p.m. North Carolina bars that are currently closed will remain closed. The order will not apply to grocery stores, convenience stores or other entities permitted to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Local governments that have implemented orders that end alcohol sales before 11 p.m. or that apply to other entities remain in effect.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY AND CITY ENTER STAY AT HOME ORDER PHASE 2.5 EFFECTIVE SEP. 4 AT 5 P.M.

• Limits in mass gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors
• Playgrounds may open
• Museums and aquariums may open at 50% capacity
• Gyms and indoor exercise facilities may open at 30% capacity.  This includes yoga studios, martial arts, rock climbing, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor basketball, volleyball, etc..
• Limits on restaurants and personal services will remain the same (50% capacity)
• Large venues are subject to the mass gathering restrictions (25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors)

What remains the same under this order:

• Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, amusement parks, dance halls, and other entertainment facilities will remain closed
• Restaurants remain 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 remain subject to the mass gathering limits
• Wedding receptions and other private events remain subject to the mass gathering limits
• Face coverings are still required in public
• 11 p.m. alcohol curfew extended until October 2

 

State of North Carolina Remains at Phase 2, Face Coverings Mandatory, Effective August 5

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 through at least September 11.

 

Durham City and County Amended Safer-at-Home Order, Effective July 9

As of July 9, 2020, Durham’s Safer-at-Home Order no longer differs from North Carolina’s Phase Two Extension with the following exceptions:

• Employer screenings now include the additional symptoms identified by the CDC for COVID-19.
• Durham is maintaining more restrictive mask requirements.
• Retail establishments must post signage advising people to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
• There are increased standards for Skilled Nursing Facilities.
• As City and County governments reopen services, including open meetings, both governments will consult with the Durham County Department of Public Health and place limits on in-person attendance/participation as necessary to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
• Authorization has been granted to the Durham City-County Planning Department Director to allow for the suspension of certain provisions of the UDO in order to facilitate site plans and temporary use permits related to COVID-19 response and business recovery.
• Local universities have been granted some leeway to house additional students due to the cancellation of study abroad programs.

 

Durham City and County Transition to Safer-at-Home Order, Effective June 1

Durham’s Safer-At-Home Order allows breweries, taprooms, distilleries, etc. to operate just as restaurants are by adhering to the 50% capacity and other requirements noted. Personal care businesses such as salons and barbershops will also open at 8 a.m. on June 1. Private pools will open on the first day of June as well.

As prohibited currently by the Governor’s Phase 2 order, bars and nightclubs will remain closed. The Order maintains the stay at home standard, only allowing people to leave for specific purposes outlined in Section 2A. Residents and visitors to Durham are reminded that the wearing of face coverings is still required any time while in public. All other rules in Durham’s Order will remain in place until rescinded.

	State Executive Order Effective May 22	Durham Safer-at-Home Order: Effective June 12
Mass Gatherings (meeting & event venues, amphitheaters, sporting venues and arenas, groups at parks)	10-person group limit indoors; 25-person group limit outdoors	10-person group limit outdoors with social distancing & sanitation required
Face Coverings	Encouraged	Required
Restaurants, Breweries, Distilleries, etc.	10-person group limit	6-person group limit
Real Estate	N/A	Modifications made to permit showings of occupied dwellings; Open houses allowed with 10-person group limit indoors with social distancing and sanitation required; restrictions remain

State of North Carolina Enters Phase 2 of Reopening, Durham Stay-At-Home Order Amended, Effective May 22

The state has begun Phase 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan effective Friday, May 22, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.  As a result, Durham’s merged Stay-at-Home order is again modified to reflect some of the state’s provisions, while keeping several sections in place for a little longer.

• Worship, religious and spiritual gatherings, funeral ceremonies and wedding ceremonies are exempt from the limits on mass gatherings and may be held while following Durham’s mandatory social distancing and sanitation guidelines.
• Durham is adopting EO 141 regarding childcare, day and overnight summer camps. Childcare and summer camps are to follow North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID specific guidelines for childcare facilities, Section 4AAreas which differ slightly from EO 141 include the following:
• While the state’s EO limits mass gatherings to 10 people indoors and up to 25 people outdoors, Durham will continue to limit the number for outdoor gatherings to 10 people.
• Realtors may now accompany potential buyers and inspectors into vacant or occupied properties with the same sanitation guidance that currently exists.
• Durham restaurants may only provide carryout or curbside takeout. The Order allows them to open for on the premise dining at 8:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020.
• Personal care businesses such as salons and barbershops may open at 8:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020.
• Pools may also open at 8:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020.
• The Order maintains the stay at home standard, only allowing people to leave for specific purposes, Section 2A
• The wearing of face coverings is still required any time people are in public.

For more information about the City's order visit their website.

Check here for a media release about the State of NC's Phase Two Stay at Home Order.

State of North Carolina Enters Phase 1 of Reopening, Durham Stay-At-Home Order Amended, Effective May 15

Effective May 18, the city and county updated Durham’s stay at home order, extending it until further notice. Durham’s order adopted most of Governor Cooper’s statewide order but there are key differences. Below is a table comparing the city and state stay at home orders. Please visit the city webpage for more information to include FAQs.

	State Exec. Order 138; Effective May 8	Durham County Order: Effective May 15
Commercial Activity	People can leave home for commercial activity; more businesses open (essential & non-essential designations removed).	People can leave home for commercial activity; more businesses open (essential & non-essential designations removed).
Retail	50% capacity allowed with cleaning & disinfecting.	50% capacity allowed with cleaning & disinfecting.
Gatherings	10-person limit; gathering outdoors with non-household members allowed. For funerals, 50-person limit.	10-person limit; gathering outdoors with non-household members allowed. For funerals, 25-person limit.
Childcare	Open for working parents or those looking for work.	Open for working parents or those looking for work.
Teleworking	Encouraged	Encouraged
Bars and Restaurants	Closed except for curbside/ takeout/carryout	Closed except for curbside/ takeout/carryout
Barbers, Salons, Massage	Closed	Closed
Theaters, Music Venues, Bowling Alleys	Closed	Closed
Gyms	Closed	Closed
Playgrounds	Closed	Closed
Visitation at Long-Term Care Centers	Not allowed	Not allowed
Worship Services	Outdoor services allowed	10-person limit indoors with social distancing & sanitation requirements. Outdoor services allowed with no person limit and social distancing & sanitation requirements. Virtual services encouraged.
Parks, Trails, Greenways	Opening encouraged	Open; DPR recreations centers closed.
Face Coverings	Encouraged	Required
Summer Camps	Allowed	DPR camps closed.
Sports/Recreational Activities	Allowed for social distancing.	Allowed for social distancing.
Real Estate	N/A	Modifications made to permit showings of occupied dwellings; restrictions remain.

 

State of North Carolina Announces Modified Stay At Home Order and Transition to Phase 1 of Easing Restrictions Effective May 8

The Order removes the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity and will be required to direct customers to stand 6 feet apart, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more. The Order allows people to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.

Certain businesses remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take out and delivery.

All workers at retail and other businesses are recommended to wear cloth face coverings. Teleworking is still encouraged for businesses that can practice it.

Though small outdoor gatherings will be allowed in Phase 1, gatherings of more than 10 people generally are still prohibited. The Order encourages cloth face coverings to be worn when outside the home and in contact with others. Everyone who uses a face covering should adhere to this guidance without fear of profiling or bias.

During Phase 1, childcare facilities will be open to serve families of parents who are working or looking for work. These centers will be required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.

Read the press release, which links to FAQs here.

The City and County Stay-at-Home Order in effect through May 15 supersedes the State of NC order except with regard to retail establishments.

Mayor Schewel issued the follow statement:

"The unified local Stay-at-Home Order by Durham County and City, originally issued in late March with the latest amendment extending the order until May 15, remains in force in all particulars with the exception of regulation of retail sales. In the area of retail sales, Governor Roy Cooper's executive order of May 5 specifically pre-empts all local regulations and requires statewide compliance with the executive order's retail regulations. Retail businesses should look to the governor's executive order for guidance.”

City and County Stay-At-Home Order Amended, Extended Through May 15

On Friday, April 24 the City and County extended Durham’s stay-at-home order through Friday, May 15.  In addition to this extension, the order now allows non-essential goods and services to operate provided social distancing and sanitation requirements are followed and there is no in-store customer traffic.  See Section 5 of the new Durham State at Home Order.

State of North Carolina Updated Stay-At-Home Order Amended, Extended Through May 8

On Thursday, April 23 Governor Cooper extended NC’s stay-at-home order through Friday, May 8.  The press release lists specific benchmarks that the state must meet in order to enter a three-phase process of incrementally relaxing current restrictions. Find a PowerPoint presentation here and the Governor’s Press Release here.

City and County Updated Stay-At-Home Order Effective April 20

The amended City-County Stay-At-Home Order, addresses the wearing of face coverings, noted in Provision D Social Distancing and Sanitation Requirements, item 10:

a) Requires people to wear a clean face covering any time they are or will be in contact with other people who are not household members in public or private spaces where it is not possible to maintain social distance such as grocery stories, pharmacies, business location and public transit. While wearing the face covering, it is essential to still maintain social distance insofar as possible since social distancing is the best defense against the spread of Coronavirus.

The updated order includes specific rules to support farmers markets and the ability to sell food and plants. Click here for a link to “Guidelines for Farmer’s Markets to Operate During the Stay at Home Order.” The rules detail market set up, use of hand washing stations, operation, closing and enforcement.

Finally, the Order provides updated information by which realtors are to operate during this period. Open houses and in-person showings of occupied homes are prohibited. In-person showings of vacant houses for sale or for rent are permitted under  conditions listed here.

State of North Carolina Updated Stay-At-Home Order Effective April 9

This Order offers clear requirements that essential businesses must implement in order to safeguard the health of customers and employees. Some of the directives include:

• Setting limits of how many people can be in a store at one time, 5 people per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20% of fire marshal posted occupancy limits
• Marking 6 feet of distance for areas where people gather like checkout lines
• Requiring specific cleaning measures for retail stores

The Order encourages:

• Implementing hygiene recommendations for employees and customers, like hand sanitizer at the doors and face coverings for workers
• Establishing designated shopping times designated for high-risk groups
• Creating barriers between customers and employees at checkout to lower the risk of required interactions

Creating barriers between customers and employees at checkout to lower the risk of required interactions

The Order states these requirements will last for thirty days unless extended by further executive action.

City and County Combine and amend Stay-At-Home Order Effective April 4

Specific provisions of the combined and amended order are as follows:

• Reduces the number of people who can gather in public or private to five, down from 10 in the previous order.
• Clarifies questions from realtors by continuing to allow virtual showings only, but no in-person showings as strongly recommended by the Director of the Durham County Department of Public Health.
• Bans all sports which involve shared equipment including tennis.
• Requires social distancing and sanitation practices in all retail stores that remain open because they are essential. All stores are required to do their best to protect their workers and customers through social distancing and sanitation rules and practices. This will be enforced by the Durham Police Department and the Durham County Office of the Sheriff.
• Farmers markets may operate by pickup and delivery only.
• Any businesses providing services in a residential setting shall have their employees wear a mask covering the mouth and nose.
• Community fitness centers in subdivisions and in apartment buildings must be closed.

State of North Carolina Stay-At-Home Order Effective March 30 to April 29

Durham County Stay-At-Home Order Effective March 29 to April 30

City of Durham Stay-At-Home Order Effective March 26 to April 30