NC is now in Phase 1 of its reopen plan. Here’s what that means for you.
Phase One of Gov. Roy Cooper’s three-part plan to reopen North Carolina amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic went into effect at 5 p.m Friday, May 8.
It’s the first step in the state’s gradual return to normalcy. The governor and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said that the decision to begin Phase One is based on a combination of metrics, including COVID-like syndromic cases, lab-confirmed cases, positive tests as a percentage of total tests and hospitalizations.
Even during Phase One, public schools and non-essential businesses such as gyms and salons remain closed, but other activities will be allowed. If all goes well during Phase One, Cooper suggested that Phase Two can begin on May 22.
Here are some questions and answers about Phase One and the reopening process in North Carolina.
When does Phase One start?
North Carolina will enter Phase One at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8.
What will change in Phase One?
We’ll still have a stay-at-home order in Phase One, but it’ll be modified to ease us into reopening. Previously, people were only supposed to venture out for essential tasks, such as grocery shopping and health care. During Phase One, more businesses can open and people are allowed to venture out for more reasons. Businesses that do open have to implement social-distancing and cleaning rules, just like those currently in place at grocery and hardware stores. State parks can also open, but with limits on the number of people who can gather there. Businesses will still be encouraged to continue teleworking (working from home) when possible. We will live in Phase One for two weeks, as long as trends continue to move in the right direction.
When will restaurants and bars reopen?
During Phase One, bars and restaurants remain open for delivery and takeout only. The opening of dining rooms will come in Phase Two, barring any spikes or setbacks in North Carolina’s coronavirus numbers. That means bars and restaurants could reopen their dining rooms as early as May 22.
When bars and restaurants open, will they be at full capacity?
No. When the state’s restaurants begin to reopen their dining rooms in Phase Two, it won’t be business as usual for a while. According to Cooper’s plan, bars and restaurants will have to open at a limited capacity. At this point we don’t know whether that means a general cap on customers inside, a percentage of full capacity or exactly how the state is defining “limited.” Cooper said North Carolina could allow restaurants to increase capacity four to six weeks after reopening, during Phase Three.
What changes about shopping in retail stores?
More businesses can reopen in Phase One and more people can be inside the businesses at the same time. Businesses can operate at 50% capacity instead of the current 20% capacity. Social distancing and cleaning measures are still required.
Will most businesses that can reopen?
Not all at once. Businesses can make their own decisions. Some big-box retailers, for example, won’t begin reopening until Monday, May 11, or later. Some smaller local businesses also plan to take things slower.
When can churches reopen?
Worship services of more than 10 people are allowed, if they are outside and social distancing is followed.
Are private gatherings still limited to 10 people?
Yes. “Gathering outdoors with friends” is allowed, but there still seems to be a 10-person limit. So, no big parties.
When can I get a haircut? When can I visit a nail salon?
Cooper included “hair salons and nail salons” in the group of businesses that can start to reopen during Phase Two, with reduced capacity and special social distancing measures. Phase Two won’t start until a minimum of two weeks after Phase One, barring any spikes or setbacks in coronavirus numbers. The earliest date for Phase 2 looks like May 22.
When will gyms reopen? What about youth sports leagues?
That is still undecided, but definitely not in Phase One. We asked about gyms and youth sports leagues and got this response: “Gyms and sports leagues have inherent difficulties with social distancing and are not included in Phase One of the plan. State health officials will continue to work with our partners and shareholders across the state to review data and determine a safe timeline for lifting restrictions.“
Will childcare centers reopen during Phase One?
According to Cooper’s plan, childcare centers that “follow strict cleaning requirements” can open during Phase One for working parents or for those parents who are looking for work. Prior to Phase One, childcare centers have only been open for parents who are essential workers.
Are parks and playgrounds open?
Yes and no. During Phase One, playgrounds will remain closed, but state parks and trails are encouraged to open.
When can we go to concerts, sporting events or movies?
This is also part of Phase Two. Cooper’s plan calls for entertainment venues to reopen at a reduced capacity during this phase. Barring any spikes or setbacks in North Carolina’s coronavirus numbers, entertainment venues could reopen on May 22. Cooper said on April 23 that North Carolina could allow venues to increase capacity four to six weeks after reopening, during Phase Three.
When can I adopt a dog or cat?
Most public county shelters have remained open for adoptions, but with limited hours and visits by appointment only. Many nonprofit rescues suspended adoptions during the stay-at-home orders, but some of those are starting to resume adoptions during Phase One. SPCA of Wake County plans to open publicly by appointment only starting Monday, May 11, and will slowly ramp up services from there. (The group has continued its pet food assistance partnerships with the Food Bank and Meals on Wheels throughout the crisis). SAFE Haven for Cats, which had suspended adoptions during the shutdown, begins taking appointments for adoptions on Friday, May 8. Potential adopters can browse available cats and fill out an adoption form online before visiting the Raleigh adoption center. Contact other local rescue groups directly to find out if adoptions are available.
When will swimming pools reopen?
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a news conference earlier this week that playgrounds and swimming pools will remain closed during Phase One. Cohen said health officials are contemplating allowing pools to open in Phase Two, which could start May 22.
What if my county has different rules?
Whoever has the stricter rules — whether it’s the state or your home county — those are the rules you must follow.
Can I look at houses for sale or sell my house?
You can conduct real estate transactions so long as other guidelines are followed, such as limits on gatherings of more than 10 people. That means some open houses may not be possible, but you could set up a private showing.
Are vaping and tobacco stores open?
They can reopen in Phase One.
Can I visit relatives in a nursing home or jail?
Unlikely. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends all facilities that serve as residences for people at high-risk not allow visitors unless it is an end-of-life visit.
When can seniors and people with medical conditions go back out?
Even when the state enters Phase Two, Cooper’s guidelines still encourage “vulnerable populations to continue staying home.” During Phase Three, which could come a minimum of four to six weeks after Phase Two, the guidelines call for lessening restrictions for vulnerable populations, but with “encouragement to continue practicing physical distancing.”
Catherine Muccigrosso and Danielle Chemtob of the Charlotte Observer contributed to this report.
This story was originally published May 5, 2020 at 6:26 PM.
