Triangle counties begin extending stay-at-home orders amid NC coronavirus threat
Durham is lifting some restrictions on businesses, but has extended its stay-at-home order through May 15. And Orange County has extended its order through May 8.
NC Gov. Roy Cooper announced his plan to gradually reopen the state Thursday, and extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 8.
The orders in Durham, Orange and Wake counties were all supposed to end April 30. Wake County has not confirmed its plans for the order, though some local mayors are debating leaving the stricter local ordinance and following the state’s rules instead.
All businesses in Durham may offer delivery or curbside pick-up if they follow social distancing rules. Delivery and curbside had previously been restricted to only essential businesses, said Durham County Commissioner Chair Wendy Jacobs.
“We’re hoping this will help support our businesses that have been impacted and provide goods and service in a safe manner,” she said.
Employers are asked to conduct basic health screenings at the start of an employee’s shift, including asking about any shortness of breath, coughing or sore throat. Employers are also strongly encouraged to take the temperature of every employee before they begin work.
It also informed real estate agents that suspected buyers entering a home must wear a mask and gloves, and not touch any surface. Cleaning supplies must be made available as soon as someone enters the home and when they leave. And the order states a house can only be shown three times a day.
The fourth amendment to the order was made late Friday morning.
Durham city and county officials will review the order with new information close to that May 8 date, Jacobs said.
As for Orange County, Commissioner Chair Penny Rich said the order had to be extended to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
“We are monitoring the stats for Orange County and the state daily, and when the data indicates it is safe for us to ease these restrictions, we will do so,” she said in a news release.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 1:14 PM.
