NC’s new COVID rules on social activities: Here’s what you can do starting this weekend
Gov. Roy Cooper eased restrictions on some North Carolina businesses and municipal centers this week, and the changes go into effect at 5 p.m. Friday.
Many businesses have been partially or completely closed since the governor’s March 17 stay-at-home order shut down all but essential services to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past months, retail stores, restaurants, salons and other businesses have been allowed to reopen, with capacity and cleaning rules in place, but others — like bars and gyms — have remained closed.
Here’s what you need to know about the most recent changes to Phase 2.
Will NC gyms reopen on Friday?
Gyms and other indoor exercise facilities (including bowling alleys) are allowed to open at 30% capacity on Friday. They must follow the same sanitizing, distancing and face mask rules as other businesses. Many large gyms already say they are open and ready to go, so Friday afternoon workouts are possible. Check with your gym for details on operating hours.
Can playgrounds open in NC?
Yes, playgrounds can now open, but the schedules may vary by municipality.
The City of Durham and the Town of Cary will open their playgrounds at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.
But the City of Raleigh will reopen playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and athletic fields on Saturday, Sept. 5. (Raleigh notes that the equipment there will not be sanitized on a daily basis, so bring your own sanitizer.) Also, on Sept. 12, Raleigh will open community and neighborhood centers (gyms and fitness rooms remain closed), museums and historic sites, and art centers. Orange County plans to open its playgrounds on Friday, Sept. 11.
Check with your town’s parks department for reopening dates.
Can museums open this week?
Museums and aquariums can open at 50% capacity, but most will wait until next week (at least). Here’s a list of when area museums plan to open and the changes they’ll make.
Can we visit people in nursing homes?
Yes, nursing home and skilled care visitations are allowed, but for outside visits only.
To participate, nursing homes must meet several requirements, including, but not limited to: not having a current outbreak, having a testing plan and updated written Infection Control or Preparedness plan for COVID-19, and having adequate personal protective equipment.
When do the changes take effect?
The restrictions are loosened at 5 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 4, a week earlier than the previously announced Sept. 11 date.
Can bars reopen in NC?
Bars cannot yet reopen. Further, Cooper extended until Oct. 2 the state’s alcohol curfew, which prohibits the sale of alcohol anywhere, including restaurants, after 11 p.m.
What businesses remain closed?
In addition to bars, the following businesses remain closed: nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment venues and amusement parks.
Do we still have to wear face masks in public?
Yes. In fact, the age requirement for face masks now includes children down to age 5.
Are mass gatherings allowed now?
Mass gathering limits increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors, from the current limit of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
How does the mass gathering rule work for sports?
According to N.C. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen, the 50-person outdoor limit applies to spectators. The number of players and coaches on the field would not count toward the 50-person mass gathering limit.
Can restaurants increase capacity?
The 50% capacity limits at restaurants, salons and other personal care businesses stay the same.
What phase are we in now?
Cooper has labeled this phase “Safer At Home Phase 2.5.”
This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 11:33 AM.
