Do you have questions about NC Gov. Cooper’s stay at home order? Here are answers
Q: What exactly does “shelter in place” or “stay at home” mean? Do I have to stay inside my house?
A: Gov. Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order on Friday, directing North Carolinians to stay home for a month. It prohibits any gatherings of more than 10 people that aren’t exempt.
It doesn’t mean you have to stay at home all the time, just whenever you don’t have to do essential activities in an attempt to slow down the spread of coronavirus throughout the state. You’re allowed to do things like make grocery and supply runs, go to work if your job is considered essential, and get exercise as long as you’re practicing social distancing.
Q: When does the stay-at-home order start and when does it end?
A: The order goes into effect at 5 p.m. Monday, March 30. It lasts until April 29.
Q: Does a stay-at-home order mean I can’t leave the county?
A: No, the governor’s order permits travel between places of residence or for other essential activities, but you should also consult the stay-at-home order for the county you’re traveling into. Check here for information on Wake, Durham and Orange county.
Q: How will a stay-at-home order be enforced?
A: The executive order will be enforced by state and local law enforcement, but multiple counties and cities have said that doesn’t mean arrests.
Durham Mayor Steve Schewel said the city’s law enforcement will be involved in the enforcement of the order, but no one will be arrested unless they “continuously and egregiously offend.” For the most part, he said, police will be ordering people to disperse.
Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair Penny Rich said: “The goal isn’t to have law enforcement going out and writing tickets or arresting people. We’re engaging them, and that’s why the sheriff is part of the conversation. It’s more of an educational process. If law enforcement sees groups of people, they’re going to say, ‘Hey, you need to break it up, here’s the rules now.’”
Q: If my county has issued its own order, do I have to follow it or the state order?
A: The state order is very similar to many county and city orders already issued, but it does not limit municipalities from imposing stricter policies. If your county imposes a ban on activities beyond what is in the state order, you have to follow the county order.
Q: What businesses and activities are considered “essential”?
▪ Health and safety institutions like doctors offices.
▪ Grocery stores and other supply stores that offer medical products and other things necessary for living at home.
▪ Outdoor activity like walking, hiking, running, biking. Durham and Wake counties specifically allow playing golf and tennis, as does the state order.
▪ Taking care of others, such as care for a family member, friend or a pet in another household when critically necessary.
▪ Restaurants, but only drive-thru or takeout.
▪ Media and other 1st Amendment protected speech.
▪ Gas stations, taxis and other businesses necessary for transportation.
▪ Human services that can’t be done online or by telephone.
▪ Financial and insurance institutions like banks.
▪ Hardware and supply stores.
▪ Building, construction and other related trades like plumbers, electricians and janitorial staff.
▪ Mail, shipping and delivery services.
▪ Educational institutions, when maintaining distance of six feet.
▪ Laundry services.
▪ Home-based care for adults, seniors, children and/or people with disabilities, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.
▪ Shelters.
▪ Professional services like legal services.
▪ Childcare facilities providing services for first-responders, health care workers and others responding to COVID-19.
▪ Hotels and motels.
▪ Funeral services.
Q: What do I do if my business isn’t considered essential and it should be?
A: You can apply for essential status with the state here.
Q: Can I still go get groceries?
A: Yes, you are allowed to go get groceries and other essential products.
Q: Can I leave home to check on an elderly relative?
A: Yes. Wake County, Orange County and Durham orders say taking care of others, such as care for a family member, friend or a pet in another household when critically necessary is allowed.
Q: Can I go to my place of business to pick up equipment/supplies?
A: Yes, the Wake County, Orange County and Durham orders say essential operations needed to keep your business going are allowed.
Q: Can I still go for a walk or hike at parks or greenways? Can I play tennis or golf? Can I go fishing?
A:Yes, the stay-at-home order says outdoor activity like walking, hiking, running, biking at parks and other places is exempt from the order, but playground equipment and many park buildings are closed. Other activities that can be done while maintaining physical distance from others are allowed, too. Some counties, like Durham and Wake, have also expressly allowed tennis and golf.
Q: Does it extend to churches and their employees?
A: Religious entities may remain open and you are allowed to travel to and from your place of worship, but gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited as in any case.
Q: What does this mean for me if I’m homeless or my home is unsafe?
A: People who are homeless are exempt from the order, but are strongly urged to find shelter. Also, anyone whose home is unsafe or becomes unsafe, such as victims of domestic violence, are permitted and urged to leave and find a safe alternative location.
Q: Are beer, wine and liquor stores still open?
A: Yes, they are considered essential services.
Q: I’m supposed to fly soon, will it be allowed?
A: Yes, airlines, taxis, trains and other essential modes of transportation are exempt from the order.
Q: My child’s school is having parents come pick up remote learning materials, is that correct under the order?
A: Educational institutions are closed through May 15, but they are considered essential and are allowed to perform essential duties as long as they maintain social distancing. One of these essential functions is to provide student’s with accessible remote learning.
Q: If I can’t pay my utility bills, will they be disconnected?
A: Cooper announced Tuesday, March 31, utility companies that provide electric, gas, water and wastewater services are prohibited from disconnecting people who are unable to pay for 60 days.
The order also said company’s have to give residential customers at least six months to pay outstanding bills and prohibits them from collecting fees, penalties or interest for late payment. The Governor strongly urged companies that provide phone, cable and internet services to follow the same rules.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 3:09 PM.
