Governor Cooper's Latest Order (195)
Executive Order 195
Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday, Feb. 24th that he is signing an executive order that will “ease but not lift” restrictions related to COVID-19 across the state. Cooper said Executive Order 195 was decided on “Given the significant and sustained improvement in our COVID-19 metrics.” The new order goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 195
This order lifts the Modified Stay at Home order, removes the statewide curfew, and increasing the size of indoor gatherings he mass gathering limit increases to 25 people indoors (and remains 50 people outdoors).
While Executive Order 195 will not drastically change the day-to-operations of our industry, it is a big boost for NC businesses and the economy. The will still include the statewide mask mandate and has two general categories of occupancy restrictions: 30 percent capacity and 50 percent capacity. Officials say that because indoor spaces have a higher risk for spread of COVID-19, those facilities in the 30 percent-occupancy category may not exceed 250 people per indoor room or indoor space.
The 30% Capacity Limit (which may not exceed 250-persons in indoor spaces) includes:
- Bars
- Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
- Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
- Indoor areas of Amusement Parks
- Movie Theatres
- Entertainment facilities (e.g., bingo parlors, gaming establishments)
- Sports Arenas and Fields*
- Venues*
Indoor event venues with more than 5,000 seats may be excepted from the 250-person limit if they follow additional safety measures up to 15% capacity.
The 50% Capacity Limit includes:
- Restaurants
- Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries
- Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, bowling alleys, rock climbing facilities)
- Pools
- Museums and Aquariums
- Retailers
- Outdoor areas of Amusement Parks
- Salons, Personal Care, Tattoo Parlors