Stay at home!!
Published 6:53 pm Friday, March 27, 2020
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RALEIGH – In an all-out effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Governor Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for the next 30 days.
Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 takes effect at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30. It will remain in place until April 29, unless rescinded before that time.
His Order (PDFs of full document and a FAQ sheet are attached to this story) also mandates the reduction of the size of gatherings to 10 people.
It provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social distancing measures. Those working at those essential businesses are allowed to travel to and from work. Those employees are not required to have specific documentation to report to work under this Order.
Individuals may leave their homes to care for a family member or friend, or to help their family member or friend get essential goods (food, groceries) or receive necessary health care. Individuals should not visit with friends or family members if there is no urgent need.
It does not prevent anyone from working in their yard or exercising outdoors.
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 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 as of Friday 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.
About Cal Bryant
Cal Bryant, a 40-year veteran of the newspaper industry, serves as the Editor at Roanoke-Chowan Publications, publishers of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, Gates County Index, and Front Porch Living magazine.
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