COVID-19 Updates:

Jun 11, 2021:

Today Governor announced that he signed an Executive Order to extend a variety of measures currently in place to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic until July 30.

“We are seeing tremendous improvement with fewer cases, hospitalizations, deaths and safety restrictions, but this is no time to hang up a “Mission Accomplished” banner in our fight against the pandemic,” said Gov. Cooper. “We are laser focused on getting more shots in arms, boosting our economy and protecting unvaccinated people from the virus and this Executive Order is essential for those efforts.”

Throughout the pandemic, Gov. Cooper has issued executive orders to protect North Carolinians from COVID-19, increase access to testing and vaccine supplies, PPE and other equipment, and draw down federal funds. While the Governor has consistently eased restrictions as trends have improved, a State of Emergency remains in effect as North Carolina emerges from the pandemic, along with measures including:

• State Evictions Prohibitions • Face covering requirements in certain settings such as public transportation, schools, health care and childcare facilities, in accordance with CDC guidance • Unemployment Insurance flexibility

Under the State of Emergency, North Carolina has easier access to federal funding including FEMA Public Assistance reimbursements, and schools can follow uniform safety guidance under the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit.

The State of Emergency also allows critical regulatory flexibility for the NC Department of Health and Human Services to increase the number of people authorized to administer vaccines and COVID-19 tests and for the movement of COVID-19 patients in rehab and other facilities.

Under the State of Emergency, NC DHHS continues to allow temporary additional flexibility for tele-health opportunities and for out-of-state licensed workers to practice in North Carolina and for retired health care professionals, students in training and skilled volunteers to provide care. The Department also continues to allow expanded access to healthcare and services and food and nutrition programs until the end of the State of Emergency.

The state’s vaccination efforts and incentive programs are also organized using tools made available by the State of Emergency including the million dollar summer cash and college tuition drawings the will incentivize people to get their shots. North Carolina’s vaccine efforts have benefitted from the service of North Carolina National Guard Personnel, who, under an Executive Order from President Biden, can be paid with federal funds if called to duty as part of the pandemic response under Governor Cooper’s existing emergency order. North Carolina National Guard personnel remain critical partners in the state’s response, currently providing vaccination and administrative support as well as continuing to support the NC Department of Agriculture with food warehouse operations as supply chain tensions ease and distribute 2.4 million pounds of food to food banks across North Carolina.

The Governor and state health officials continue to monitor North Carolina’s trends and review actions of other states and plan to continue lifting restrictions as more people are vaccinated and the state winds down pandemic response efforts.

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Thursday, June 10, 2021:

To encourage more North Carolinians to receive COVID-19 vaccines, Gov. Roy Cooper announced $4 million summer cash and college tuition drawings to motivate those who have not yet been vaccinated – and to thank those who have. Four vaccinated North Carolinians 18 and older will win $1 million each and four North Carolinians ages 12 to 17 will win tuition for post-secondary education.

NC Gov. Cooper: Governor Cooper Issues Executive Order Extending Pandemic Response Measures

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May 14, 2021

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. shared an update on the state’s COVID-19 progress. Throughout the pandemic, state officials have taken a data-driven approach and have been guided by the science in making decisions. Following yesterday’s guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals can safely do most activities without wearing a mask or the need to social distance from others, the state will remove its indoor mask mandate for most settings. Additionally, the state will lift all mass gathering limits and social distancing requirements. These changes are now in effect as of 1:30 PM today. In accordance with the new CDC guidance, there will still be certain settings where masks and other safety measures will be required. Masks will still be required in child care, schools and camps as most children are either not yet vaccinated or are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Everyone, including people who are fully vaccinated will still be required to wear a mask in certain settings such as public transportation, health care settings like hospitals, doctor’s offices and long-term care settings like nursing homes, and certain congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters.

NCDHHS will continue to have strong public health recommendations for individuals to continue to protect one another until more people are vaccinated. People who are not vaccinated should wear a mask and maintain distance in all indoor public settings and in outdoor settings when they can't maintain six feet of distance.

Masks are strongly recommended for everyone at large crowded indoor events like sporting events and live performances.

NCDHHS recommends public facing businesses post signage reminding guests to social distance and wear a face covering if they are not fully vaccinated; remind employees to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19; have a plan to immediately isolate and remove sick workers; and clean high-touch surfaces once a day. Businesses may choose to continue to require that their customers wear masks. https://governor.nc.gov/news/following-new-cdc-guidance-face-coverings-governor- cooper-lifts-many-covid-19-restrictions

Thursday May 13th, 2021 :: 10:00 a.m. EDT G.E.A.N.I. Guilford Emergency: Alert- Notification - Information Advisory Guilford County Now Offering Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to Those 12-15 Years Old

GC19: Guilford County Now Offering Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to Those 12-15 Years Old. For a full list of appointment dates, times, and locations, and to schedule an appointment, please visit www.healthyguilford.com. You may also schedule by phone at (336) 641-7944 (Option 2). Walk-in appointments are also available.

Address/Location G.E.A.N.I. Guilford Emergency: Alert- Notification - Information 1002 Meadowood St Greensboro, NC 27409 Contact Emergency: 9-1-1 Non-emergencies: 336-641-8100

April 30, 2021

Gov. Cooper Issues Executive Order to Relax State’s Outdoor Mask Mandate and Ease Mass Gathering Limits

As the state’s metrics and key indicators remain stable, Governor Cooper signed an Executive Order outlining safety measures for the month of May. Executive Order No. 209 will take effect April 30 and is set to expire June 1.

Under the new Executive Order, masks will still be required indoors but are no longer mandated outdoors. Masks are still strongly recommended outdoors by NC DHHS in crowded areas and higher risk settings where social distancing is difficult.

Executive Order No. 209 will also increase mass gathering capacity limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 50 to 100 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 100 to 200. Occupancy limits currently in place will remain the same.

“Fortunately, we now have enough vaccine for everyone. They are free and widely available across the state. In many places you don’t need appointment” https://governor.nc.gov/news/gov-cooper-issues-executive-order-relax-state%E2%80%99s-outdoor- mask-mandate-and-ease-mass-gathering https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO209-Easing-Statewide-Restrictions.pdf

Apr 21, 2021

Governor Cooper Outlines Timeline for Lifting State’s COVID-19 Restrictions

As vaccinations continue and trends stabilize, NC will lift mandatory social distancing, capacity, and mass gathering restrictions by June 1

Raleigh

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. laid out a timeline for lifting current pandemic restrictions today. With stable trends and continued vaccination success, the state expects to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity, and mass gathering restrictions by June 1. The Governor plans to issue an executive order next week outlining safety restrictions for the month of May.

“Each shot in an arm is a step closer to putting this pandemic in the rearview mirror,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolinians have shown up for each other throughout this entire pandemic and we need to keep up that commitment by getting our vaccines.”

North Carolina continues to focus on distributing vaccines quickly and equitably. This fast and fair approach to getting shots in arms is the best way to beat this pandemic, protect one another, boost the economy and make it possible for restrictions to be lifted.

To date, the state has administered over 6.5 million vaccines. 46.9 percent of adults are at least partially vaccinated, and 35.1 percent are fully vaccinated. More than 76 percent of people 65 and older have had at least one shot.

With vaccine now widely available across the state – often with no wait for an appointment, all North Carolinians 16 and older can plan to take their shot. The state anticipates lifting the mask mandate and easing other public health recommendations, once two thirds of adult North Carolinians have received at least one vaccine dose and if trends remain stable.

“We are at an exciting moment. We now have enough vaccine for everyone,” said Secretary Cohen. “If you are 16 and older, it is your turn to join the more than 3.6 million North Carolinians who have already taken their first shot. It’s up to you to get us to the two thirds goal as quickly as possible so we can live with this virus and begin to put this pandemic behind us.”

Gov. Cooper and Sec. Cohen urged North Carolinians continue to get vaccinated and exercise good judgment even when restrictions are lifted. Businesses should continue to follow voluntary health recommendations and North Carolinians should continue to take safety measures in order to boost the economy, keep children in schools and protect each other.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released statistics indicating that North Carolina is among the states with the fewest deaths and fewest job losses per capita.

State health officials are continuing to monitor the presence of COVID-19 and its more contagious variants in North Carolina, which is why it is important to continue to follow the state’s mask mandate and continue to practice safety precautions, including the Three Ws—wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash hands often. https://governor.nc.gov/.../governor-cooper-outlines...

GOVERNOR.NC.GOV NC Gov. Cooper: Governor Cooper Outlines Timeline for Lifting State’s COVID-19 Restrictions

Wednesday April 21, 2021, 9:59 AM

G.E.A.N.I. Guilford Emergency: Alert- Notification - Information Advisory: Guilford County is accepting walk-ins for COVID-19 Vaccines Dear Nixle User, GC19: Guilford County is accepting walk-ins for COVID-19 Vaccines starting Thursday at the Greensboro Coliseum and the High Point University Community Center. Visit www.healthyguilford.com for more information. For full details, view this message on the web. Sent by G.E.A.N.I. Guilford Emergency: Alert- Notification - Information 1002 Meadowood St, Greensboro, NC 27409 To manage your email settings, click here. To update your account settings, login here. If you prefer not to receive future emails, unsubscribe here. Powered by Nixle © 2021 Everbridge, Inc. All rights reserved.

March 31, 2021:

Wednesday March 31, 2021, 12:15 PM

G.E.A.N.I. Guilford Emergency: Alert- Notification -

Information

Advisory: Everyone in Guilford County Aged 16+ Can Now Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Dear Nixle User,

GC19: The Guilford County Division of Public Health is pleased to announce that everyone aged 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Guilford County, regardless of health or employment status. Starting today, a limited number of Guilford County COVID- 19 vaccine appointments are available for April 1, April 5, and April 6 for anyone ages 16 and up. Next week’s appointment allocations, and those moving forward, will continue be open to everyone. Registration is available online only at www.healthyguilford.com, until filled.

For full details, view this message on the web.

March 25 • Governor Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Cohen announced an accelerated timeline for moving to Groups 4 and 5 for vaccine eligibility with the rest of Group 4 eligible on March 31 and all adults eligible beginning April 7. The move will allow the state and vaccine providers to continue to get vaccines into arms quickly and continue to reach underserved and historically marginalized populations. • A new public private partnership, Healthier Together: Health Equity Action Network, will enhance the state’s work to deliver equitable access to vaccines, and NCDHHS released a new biweekly equity data report to provide another avenue for transparency. https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/latest-updates

Mar 23, 2021

As North Carolina’s trends continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases with 31.7% of North Carolinians over 18 having received at least one dose of vaccine, Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 204 will take effect March 26 at 5 pm is set to expire April 30 at 5 pm. The state’s general mask mandate remains in effect.

“Our fast and fair vaccine distribution and our sustained progress with the COVID-19 metrics tell us we can move forward with easing restrictions if we do it safely,” said Governor Cooper. “We are in a promising place. With North Carolina’s COVID-19 key metrics improving and vaccinations increasing, we can responsibly use our dimmer switch approach to easing restrictions guided by science and data,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Executive Order No. 204 has three general categories of occupancy restrictions: up to 100 percent capacity, 75 percent capacity, and 50 percent capacity. All businesses must continue to maintain the 6 feet of distance requirement between patrons and implement other safety protocols as they expand their capacity.

Executive Order No. 204 will also increase mass gathering limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 25 to 50 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 50 to 100. This Order also fully lifts the restriction on the late-night sale and service of alcoholic beverages on bars, restaurants, and other establishments.

Indoors and Outdoors up to 100% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing

• Museums and Aquariums • Retail Businesses • Salons, personal care and grooming businesses, tattoo parlors

Indoors up to 75% and Outdoors up to 100% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing

• Restaurants • Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries • Recreation (e.g., bowling, skating, rock climbing) • Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, yoga studios, fitness centers) • Pools • Amusement Parks

Indoors and Outdoors up to 50% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing

• Bars • Movie Theaters* • Gaming Facilities* • Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces • Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs • Auditoriums, Arenas, and other venues for live performances • Sports Arenas and Fields (includes professional, collegiate, and amateur

*Movie theaters and gaming facilities may operate at up to 75% capacity outdoors.

Activities and settings are lower risk when they involve interacting with fewer people, being outside, keeping masks on the entire time, keeping interactions with people short (under 15 minutes), staying physically distant, and avoiding singing, yelling, and cheering, according to public health officials. https://governor.nc.gov/news/gov-cooper-announces-north-carolina-will-relax-some- covid-19-restrictions%EF%BB%BF

March 11

Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen announced beginning on March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible for vaccination. The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers will become eligible April 7.

March 2, 2021:

Gov. Cooper Announces Group 3 Frontline Essential Workers Eligible for Vaccination Beginning March 3

Group 4 vaccinations to begin March 24 for people who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk or who live in certain congregate settings On March 10, a federally-supported community vaccination center will open in Greensboro. This site – one of just 18 sites nationally - will help the state continue its effort to reach more marginalized and underserved communities. The federal government will provide the center’s vaccine supply, which will be in addition to North Carolina’s weekly allotment from the Centers for Disease Control. It will operate seven days a week with the capacity to provide up to 3,000 vaccinations per day, with options for drive-thru service in the parking lot and walk-in service. https://governor.nc.gov/news/gov-cooper-announces-frontline- essential-workers-eligible-vaccination-beginning-march-3

02/24/2021 Gov. Cooper Announcement NC Current Restrictions:

The list below provides a general summary of restrictions imposed under recent executive orders as well as frequently asked questions and relevant guidance from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional guidance is also available.

Under Executive Order 181 (and extended under Executive Orders 188 and 189), North Carolina remains under restrictions, as outlined in the table below, until at least 5 p.m. Feb. 28, 2021.

Executive Order 183 (extended under Executive Order 190) is in effect until at least March 31, 2021.

Executive Order 195, issued Feb. 24, 2021, becomes effective at 5 p.m. Feb. 26, 2021.

Executive Order Summary More Information

Executive Order 195

Effective 5 p.m. Feb. 26, 2021, this order:

-Lifts the Modified Stay at Home Order established under Executive Order 181

-Still requires face coverings in all public indoor settings

-Allows many businesses to operate at 50% capacity

-Extends onsite service of alcohol until 11 p.m. -Lifts the 100-person cap on some businesses that were operating at 30% capacity

-Allows some indoor businesses (including bars and taverns, indoor amusement parks, movie theaters and indoor sports arenas) to open at 30% capacity (with a cap of 250 people)

-Allows larger indoor arenas with a capacity of more than 5,000 people to open at 15% capacity with no cap (as long as additional safety protocols in place)

-Increases the indoor mass gathering limit to 25 people (the outdoor mass gathering limit remains at 50 people)-- https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve

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Feb 10, 2021, 2:00 p.m. NC Gov. Cooper: Beginning on Feb. 24, the state will expand the vaccine eligibility to group 3, starting with educators and school personnel and then expand to other group 3 personnel on March 10, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday afternoon.

The priority in group 3 will include teachers, principals, childcare workers, bus drivers and other people who work in and around the school systems, Cooper said. This group encompasses about 240,000 people, the governor added. https://abc11.com/covid-vaccine-roy-cooper-19-clinic/10325404/

NCDHHS Find your spot to take your shot.

A free COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all who want it, but supplies will be limited at first. Our goal is to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible given the limited supply of vaccines. North Carolina moves through vaccination phases by aligning to federal priorities while empowering local health departments and hospitals with flexibility to move to the next priority group as they complete phases and have vaccines available.

Use the following link to the NCDHHS web page containing the tools to find your vaccine group, and look-up the vaccine provider nearest you: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/findyourspot

Jan 27, 2021

Newslink: NC Gov. Cooper: North Carolina Extends Modified Stay At Home Order as Numbers Begin to Stabilize in an Effort to Continue to Slow the Spread

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am, will be extended. Face covering requirements and restrictions on individuals gathering in both indoor and outdoor settings are still in place. Executive Order No. 189 will be in effect through at least Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

The extension of Executive Order No. 190 allowing for the sale of “to-go” or delivery of mixed beverages will continue to help businesses that are struggling right now. The extension of Executive Order No. 191 will help families have the ability to stay in their homes, a critical component of slowing the spread of the virus.

In addition to the Modified Stay at Home Order, the DHHS secretarial directive remains in effect. People should stay home and only leave for essential purposes such as buying food, accessing health care, and going to school or work.

Jan 6, 2021

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update today on North Carolina’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the vaccination effort currently underway.

Governor Cooper extended North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am to last through at least Friday, January 29. Secretary Cohen also issued a Secretarial Directive with stark warnings for North Carolinians to avoid indoor spaces without masks and gatherings between households. Read here for more details on the Secretarial Directive.

"We have turned the page on a new year – one that we’re hoping will bring better times. But as we know, the virus didn’t disappear at midnight on December 31," Governor Cooper said. "In fact, in North Carolina, we have seen some of our highest case counts, percent positives, hospitalizations and ICU bed usage numbers in the past few days. No matter where you live, work, worship or play, COVID-19 remains a deadly threat, and we must treat it that way."

“We are in a very dangerous position. North Carolinians need to take immediate actions to save lives, slow the spread of the virus, and protect hospital capacity so that medical care is available to anyone who may need it, whether for COVID-19 or for any other reason,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor-cooper-extends-modified-stay-home-order-amid- rising-case-counts

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Dec 8, 2020

Gov. Cooper Phase 3 COVID-19 Update Executive Order 181

The order is effective Dec. 11, 2020, at 5 p.m. through Jan. 8, 2021, at 5 p.m., unless otherwise modified or extended.

Under this order:

• Certain businesses and facilities are ordered to close to the public between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. (the “Night-Time Public Closure Period”). This includes restaurants (with exceptions for take-out and delivery, as noted below), bars, entertainment venues, parks, museums and aquariums, certain retail establishments and other businesses and facilities specified below and in the order. • All individuals in North Carolina must stay at home or the place they will remain for the night between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. (the “Stay at Home Period”), unless an exception applies. • The sale and service of alcoholic beverages is prohibited for on-site consumption between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. • Events or convenings outside of the home must end by 10 p.m. and guests must leave the establishment and travel home or to the place where they will stay for the night. • The capacity limitations on certain businesses, indoor and outdoor gathering limits and other public health measures implemented by previous executive orders are extended through Jan. 8, 2021.

For full information: https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve/modified-stay-home- order-faqs-executive-order-181#what-are-the-major-changes-under-this-order

Nov 10, 2020

Gov. Cooper Phase 3 COVID-19 Update 11/10/2020: Under Executive Order 169 and Executive Order 176, North Carolina remains under Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions until at least Dec. 4. Under Phase 3: Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators. Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, such as 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. Until 5 p.m. Nov. 13, the limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Effective 5 p.m. Nov. 13, the indoor mass gathering limit is 10 people. An 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption remains in effect in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars/ https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve

Oct 21, 2020

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina will remain paused in Phase 3 for three more weeks as health officials continue to monitor North Carolina’s viral trends. 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.

“As this pandemic continues, I know it’s difficult and tiring to keep up our guard, especially when we’re gathered with people we love. But it’s necessary. No one wants to spread COVID-19 accidentally to friends or family, so we must keep prevention at the forefront,” said Governor Cooper. “Wearing a mask shows you care about people. Wearing a mask is an easy way to protect our communities and look out for each other. Confronting the virus head on and doing our part as individuals is good for our health and good for our economy.”

Full article: https://governor.nc.gov/news/following-data-north-carolina-will-remain-paused- phase-3

October 2, 2020

North Carolina will enter Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions, effective 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. (View Phase 3 FAQs.) Under Executive Order 169:

• Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators. • Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, such as 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 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to Oct. 23. https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve

Sept 1, 2020

Govenor Cooper moved NC to Phase 2.5 of reopening: Phase 2.5 means the following for North Carolina: • Mass gathering limits will 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. • Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment facilities, amusement parks, dance halls will remain closed. • Large venues remain subject to the mass gathering limits. • 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, not having a 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.

For more information: https://governor.nc.gov/news/north-carolina-move-phase-25

Aug 5, 2020

• Governor Roy Cooper today announced that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for another 5 weeks as students and staff return to schools, colleges and universities and the state doubles down on efforts to decrease COVID-19 numbers.

“Other states that lifted restrictions quickly have had to go backward as their hospital capacity ran dangerously low and their cases jumped higher. We will not make that mistake in North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “In keeping with our dimmer switch approach with schools opening, and in order to push for decreasing numbers which will keep people healthier and boost our economy, North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for 5 weeks.”

Per NCDHHS website 07/14/2020:

• North Carolina schools will open in the fall for both in-person and remote learning with key safety precautions to protect the health of students, teachers, staff and families. o Summary: In-Person Learning in Public Schools o Fact sheet: School Children and COVID-19 o StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Guidance o Lighting Our Way: N.C. Department of Public Instruction Guidance • North Carolina will continue to stay paused in Safer at Home Phase 2 when the governor’s current executive order expires on Friday, July 17. The order will be extended for three weeks until Friday, Aug. 7. o View frequently asked questions about Safer at Home Phase 2

• June 24, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks. Cooper also announced that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places as officials seek to stabilize concerning trends of increasing viral spread. • Per WSOCTV, Starting June 25, Friday at 5 pm, face coverings are required in the state of North Carolina.

Here is a thread with some highlights of the Executive Order. Please note that I use mask and face covering interchangeably. More details on what can be worn are in the thread.

• Here is everything you need to know about the state’s new mandate. • North Carolina defines a face covering as a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps or loops over the ears or is simply wrapped around the lower face. • According to the Executive Order, an ideal face covering has two or more layers. It can be factory-made, sewn by hand or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, bandanas, T-shirts, sweatshirts or a towel. • A face shield that covers the nose and mouth meets the face-covering requirements of North Carolina's Executive Order. • People are required to wear face coverings inside and outside unless an exception applies. • Retail businesses: All workers and customers must wear masks when within 6 feet of another person • Restaurants: All workers must wear masks. Customers must wear masks whenever they are not at their table. • Personal care, grooming and tattoo businesses: Workers and customers must wear masks when within 6 feet of another person. A customer can take off their mask if they are getting a facial treatment, shave, tattoo or any other service to the part of the head impacted by the mask. • Schools: Face coverings must be worn by students, staff and visitors at every high school and middle school in the state. They are also required while riding the bus. They are not required at elementary schools, but are encouraged. • Child care facilities and camps: All workers must wear face coverings. All kids over 11 must wear face coverings when within six feet of another person. • Transit: All workers and riders on public or private transportation regulated by North Carolina, as well as all people in North Carolina airports, bus and train stations or stops must wear face coverings when they are or may be within 6 feet of another person. • While masks are required on public transportation, including ride-shares, cabs, vans and shuttles, no customer will be removed from or denied entry to public transportation for failure to wear a face covering. • Exceptions to the mask mandate: • Medical or behavioral conditions; Children under 11; Eating and drinking; Strenuous exercise; When communicating with someone hearing impaired; Giving speeches for broadcast or for an audience; In personal vehicles; Working from home; To secure government or medical services for identification purposes; When safety is at risk; When it impedes the ability to operate equipment or a vehicle; When a child is unable to find a parent due to their mask • Anyone who declines to wear a face covering is not be required to produce documentation or any other proof of a condition. An honor system is in place. • Enforcement: Officers are not authorized to criminally enforce the mask requirements against individual workers, customers or patrons. However, citations can be issued to businesses or organizations that fail to enforce the requirement to wear masks. If a business does not allow entry to a worker or customer because they refuse to wear a mask, officers can enforce trespassing laws. • Read Executive Order No. 147 that implements Cooper’s announcement.

• Per NCDHHS website: NC will move into Phase 2 of lifting #COVID19 restrictions at 5 p.m. Friday, May 22. Phase 2 runs through at least Friday, June 26, unless changed or canceled. For a quick reference guide about the differences in Phases 1 and 2 go to: http://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/Phases-List.pdf : #StayStrongNC

• The Town of Whitsett, NC Town Council Meeting scheduled for May 12, 2020 has been cancelled.

• The Town of Whitsett, NC Planning Board Meeting scheduled for May 5, 2020 has been cancelled.

• On April 23, 2020 Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 135 extending North Carolina’s Stay At Home order through May 8. The orders extending closure of restaurants for dine-in service and bars and closure of other close-contact businesses are also extended through May 8.

• The Town of Whitsett, NC Town Council Meeting scheduled for April 14, 2020 has been cancelled.

• The Town of Whitsett, NC Planning Board Meeting scheduled for April 7, 2020 has been cancelled - Ken Jacobs, Town Administrator

• Town hall is open regular hours but with the following notice. Only one visitor is allowed in town hall at a time. They will be asked to remain in the Council room where I will meet with them with extreme social separation – Ken Jacobs, Town Administrator.

• Guilford County amends the State of Emergency Declaration to include "Stay at Home" order effective 5pm on Friday, March 27, 2020, and effective until April 16, 2020. That declaration also includes the Town of Whitsett.

• http://www.whitsettnc.com/docs/COVID19StayAtHomeOrder.pdf

• https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/administration/covid-19-stay-at-home-order- declaration