Guide for Coronavirus 19 Phase One “Ease of Restrictions” for North Carolina Small Businesses
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order that will allow North Carolina to move into the first phase of the lifting of statewide restrictions. The order goes into effect on Friday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. an eases restrictions on leaving home and some businesses opening.
This is welcome news for small businesses which have shuddered their doors for, in some cases, 6 weeks in order to comply with shutdown orders. Phase one removes the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses and allows retail businesses to open at 50 percent capacity while observing physical distancing guidelines, extra cleaning protocols and screening employees. Here is a guide for small business owners to better understand the Phase one ease of restrictions and how to adapt businesses for compliance.
Recommendations to Promote Social Distancing and Reduce Transmission
- Maintain at least six (6) feet social distancing from other individuals, with the exception of family or household members.
- Wear a cloth Face Covering when leaving home and wear it inside all public settings such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or other retail or public-serving businesses. A Face Covering should also be worn outdoors when you cannot maintain at least six ( 6) feet distancing from other people with the exception of family or household members. These coverings function to protect other people more than the wearer.
- Carry hand sanitizer with you when leaving home, and use it frequently.
- Wash hands using soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds as frequently as possible.
- Regularly clean high-touch surfaces such as steering wheels, wallets, phones.
- Stay at home if sick.
Here is a guide to prepare small businesses and your employees for the COVID 19 environment: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-small-business.html.
The Phase One Coronavirus Reopening guidelines are to be applied to business that reopen.
- Retailers and services providers will need to implement social distancing, cleaning and other protocols
- Gatherings limited to no more than 10 people
- Parks can open subject to gathering limits
- Face coverings recommended in public
- Restrictions remain in place for nursing homes and other congregate living settings
- Encourage continued teleworking
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the State for the Department of Health and Human Services, said the state is meeting the following trend benchmarks because the numbers are declining or leveling off: patients with COVID-19 patients seen by health care workers, hospitalized patients with the virus and the percent of tests coming back positive.
Although the executive order placed ease on some of the restrictions, the stay at home order is still in effect. Here are some of the modifications to the order so that businesses can adapt.
- Commercial activity: People can leave home for commercial activity and more businesses are open
- Retail: 50% capacity allowed with social distancing and cleaning protocol
- Gatherings: Limited to 10 persons gathering with friends allowed
- Childcare: Childcare centers are open for working parents or those looking for work
- Teleworking: Encouraged
- Bars and Restaurants: Take-out and delivery
- Churches/Worship Services: Outdoor services allowed
- State Parks and Trails: Opening encouraged
- Face Coverings: Encouraged
- Barbers/Salons/Massages: Closed
- Theaters, Music Venues/Bowling Alleys: Closed
- Gyms: Closed
- Playgrounds: Closed
- Visitation at Long Term Care Centers: Not Allowed
Phase one will last 2–3 weeks (ending 5/23–5/30) and then the state will transition to Phase two, barring any spikes or setbacks in North Carolina’s coronavirus numbers.
