• PhaseD Lifting of Restrictions Based on Virus Trends

      Governor Cooper shared details about North Carolina’s plan to lift restrictions in three phases once the data show that key metrics are headed in the right direction.

      Phase 3 | October 2nd Takes effect at 5 p.m.
      (Continues for three weeks through October 23)

       

       

      • All venues must abide by regulations for social distancing, wearing mask and sanitization.
         
      • 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.
         
      • 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.
       
      Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen both underscore the need for the testing, tracing and trends to move in the right direction for each of these phases to move forward. If there is a spike in infections, tightening of restrictions may be needed temporarily.
       
      State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next several weeks to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires October 23.

      Phase 2.5 | Begins September 4th, 2020 at 5 p.m.

      • Phase 2.5 FAQ <-PDF Link
         
      • Mass gathering limits will be increased to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
      •  
      • Playgrounds will be allowed to open.
         
      • Museums and aquariums are limited to 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.
         
      • All employers in North Carolina are strongly encouraged to provide face coverings to their employees.
         
      • 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.
         
      • Bars and Private Clubs remain closed. Facilities which have opened must be regulated as restaurants or breweries and submit to licensing and inspection by their local Department of Environmental Health. Non-inspected facilities are not allowed to open in this phase.
         
      • SEE: What remains the same under Phase 2.5?

      PREVIOUS PHASES

      Phase 2 (Modified) | Began May 23rd

      • Phase 2 FAQ <-PDF Link
         
      • Phase 2 lifts the Stay At Home order moving into a Safer At Home recommendation, especially for people at high risk for serious illness.
         
      • Teleworking is also urged when possible.
         
      • Mass gathering limits in Phase 2 will be no more than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in most circumstances. These limits apply to the following: event venues; conference centers; stadiums and sports arenas; amphitheaters; and groups at parks or beaches.
         
      • Some businesses will remain closed in Phase 2 including:
        - Bars
        - Night clubs
        - Gyms and indoor fitness facilities
        - Indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, and bowling alleys
         
      • Certain businesses will be open at limited capacity with other requirements and recommendations including:
        - Restaurants at 50% dine-in capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements
        - Personal care businesses, including salons and barbers, at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements
        - Pools at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements.
        - Employees of personal care businesses will be required to wear face coverings
         
      • Childcare facilities, day camps and overnight camps will be open with enhanced cleaning and screening requirements.
         
      • Retail businesses allowed to open in Phase 1 at 50% capacity will continue at that level.
         
      • Public health recommendations are provided for worship services to practice enhanced social distancing and other cleaning and hygiene practices.
         
      • The Safer At Home Phase 2 runs through at least Friday, June 26.

      Phase 1 | Began May 9th

      • People may leave home for commercial activity at any business allowed to be open, such as clothing stores, sporting goods stores, book shops, houseware stores and other retailers. 
         
      • Ensure any open stores implement appropriate employee and consumer social distancing, enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols, symptom screening of employees, accommodations for vulnerable workers, and provide education to employees and workers to combat misinformation
         
      • Retail stores are limited to 50% capacity. 
         
      • Continue to limit gatherings to no more than 10 people.  Gatherings outdoors with friends is allowed.
         
      • Childcare centers can now open for working parents or those looking for work.
         
      • Reopen parks that have been closed subject to the same gathering limitation.
         
      • Bars and restaurants remain take-out and delivery only.
         
      • Businesses and services remaining closed include: Barbers, Salons, Massage Therapy, Gyms, Playgrounds, Theaters, Music Venues, and Bowling Alleys.
         
      • Continue to recommend face coverings in public spaces when 6 feet of distancing isn’t possible
         
      • Encourage employers to continue teleworking policies.
         
      • Visitation still prohibited at Long term care centers.
         
      • State parks and trails, as well as local parks and outdoor amenities, are encouraged to open where it is possible to do so safely. Gathering limits still in place. Outdoor exercise is encouraged.
         
      • Worship services are limited to outdoor venues only.
         
      • Local emergency orders with more restrictive measures may remain in place. 

    • REOPENING METRICS

      The following metrics will be used to help determine the status of North Carolina’s phased reopening.
      Metrics updated as of September 30, 2020.

    • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

      Plain English: Fewer people showing COVID like illnesses overall.


      NC: Slight Increase

       

      VERDICT: PASS

      Sustained Leveling or
      Decreased Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

      Plain English: Lower total number of lab tests coming back positive.

       

      NC: Level

       

      VERDICT: PASS

      Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Percent of Tests
      Returning Positive Over 14 Days

      Plain English: Lower % of people tested coming
      back positive for active COVID.


      NC: Level

       

      VERDICT: PASS

      Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Hospitalizations
      Over 14 Days

      Plain English: Lower number of people needing
      to be hospitalized for COVID infections.

       

      NC: Leveling Off

       

      VERDICT: PASS

      Increase in Laboratory Testing

      Plain English: Increase testing rate and capacity to 5-7K tests per day.

       

      State average is nearing 8K per day.

       

      VERDICT: PASS

       

      Increase in Tracing Capability

      Plain English: Employ at least 500 Tracers at health departments around the state.

       

      The state continues hiring contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments.

      VERDICT: PASS

      Availability of Personal
      Protective Equipment

      Plain English: Does North Carolina have supply on hand to fill requests for at least 30 days?

      Supply chains continue to improve.
       

      VERDICT: PASS

      Summary:

      NC Continues to work towards its targets and the CharMeck region has been an active participant in trying to meet the metrics.

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    DISCLAIMER: This site is intended for informational purposes only. In all cases, businesses should stay abreast of guidance from local and state health departments and follow all requirements provided by the CDC, State Department of Health and local Health Departments, and any applicable federal or regulatory rules. ©2020 Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

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