Today, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper expanded the list of public places he is ordering to close to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As we reported Saturday, some local businesses already closed their doors until further notice, or have changed the way they are doing business.
According to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services North Carolina has 297 cases of confirmed COVID-19 in 45 counties. NC received results from 8,438 tests, with 10,000 pending results, according to NCDHHS.
The department announced Gov. Cooper will sign an Executive Order today, with additional declarations for NC.
Following are the businesses to be closed by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 because of their inability to conduct social distancing to limit the spread of coronavirus, according to Gov. Cooper’s order.
Businesses to be closed by Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.:
Barber Shops
Beauty Salons
Bingo Parlors
Bowling Alleys
Ice Skating Rinks
Indoor Exercise Facilities (this includes gyms, yoga studios, and martial arts facilities)
Hair Salons
Health Clubs
Indoor Pools
Live Performance Venues
Manicure/Pedicure Providers
Massage Therapy
Movie Theaters
Nail Salons
Roller skating Rinks
Spas
Sweepstakes Lounges
Video game arcades
Tattoo Parlors
No date was given for how long businesses would be required to remain closed.
Gov. Cooper stated, “Know we are doing all we can to help all of us deal with this crisis. But we need you to take this seriously. To take care of your own health. To Practice social distancing and stay home, or at the very least, to stay six feet apart from others. To help and comfort others. We will get through this and be even better on the other side.”
Some of the businesses that are not ordered to be closed are as follows:
Animal vets
Auto repair/supplies services
Chemical manufacturing and hazard materials facilities
Communications and information technology services
Home contractors
Convenient stores
Critical manufacturing
Defense Industries
Energy businesses
Financial institutions
Hardware and home improvement stores
Home appliance stores
Hotels/Motels
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Grocery stores
Laundromats and laundry services
Media outlets
Pharmacies
Public Works
Transportation
Water and Wastewater facilities
The Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration for North Carolina was received by FEMA on Monday, according to his press release. This specifically requested Individual Assistance, Crisis Counseling Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance and more.
Also, today, effective Monday, March 23, gatherings are to be limited to no more than 50 people. North Carolina Schools are also to remain closed until May 15, 2020, according to Gov. Cooper’s announcement.
MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS, SUPPLIES NEEDED
Cooper highlighted the need for medical and health care workers and urged qualified, available professionals to volunteer by signing up at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. Already more than 300 people have volunteered.
Specifically, the Governor highlighted the need for doctors and nurses, pharmacy, imaging and respiratory care, and facility maintenance and administrative support workers.
Critical supplies and equipment like masks, gloves, and gowns are low. Governor Cooper is convening North Carolina’s top manufacturers to explore transitioning production lines to start making these critical supplies.
The full order is available HERE.
Related article:
https://bladencounty.org/business-is-not-as-usual-in-bladen-county/
https://bladencounty.org/bladens-small-business-center-continues-to-assist-businesses/
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