North Carolina Human Relations Commission issued the following announcement on May 22.
North Carolina is taking, a three-phased approach – based on data from testing, tracing and trends and in consultation with members of the business community – to lift restrictions in place to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and save lives.
Phase 2 Begins 5 p.m. May 22
Effective 5 p.m., Friday May 22, North Carolina has moved into Safer At Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions. The phase runs through at least Friday, June 26 unless changed or canceled. Although the state’s overall key indicators remain stable, the continued increases in daily case counts signals a need to take a more modest step forward in Phase 2 than originally envisioned.
- View Phase 2 frequently asked questions
- View what Phase 2 means for North Carolina
- View public health guidance for Phase 2, including guidance for places of worship and religious services
- View Executive Order 141 (English | Spanish)
Commercial activity | People should only leave home for essential purposes (e.g., food, medicine) | More businesses are open |
Retail | 50% capacity allowed with cleaning and social distancing | 50% capacity allowed with cleaning and social distancing; view guidance |
Gatherings | 10-person limit; gathering outdoors with friends allowed | 10-person limit indoors; 25-person limit outdoors |
Child care | Child care centers open for working parents or those looking for work | Open for all children; view guidance |
Teleworking | Encouraged | Encouraged |
Restaurants | Take-out and delivery | 50% capacity; view guidance |
Bars and nightclubs | Closed | Closed |
Barbers, salons and personal-care businesses | Closed | 50% capacity; view guidance |
Theaters, indoor music venues, bowling alleys, skating rinks, etc. | Closed | Closed |
Museums | Closed | Closed |
Gyms and fitness studios | Closed | Closed |
Large venues, arenas and stadiums | Closed | Open but with restrictions; view guidance |
Playgrounds | Closed | Closed |
Pools | Closed | Open but with restrictions; view guidance |
Day camps | Closed | Open but with restrictions; view guidance |
Long-term care visitation | Not allowed | Restricted, except for certain compassionate care situations |
State parks and trails | Opening encouraged | Opening encouraged |
Face coverings | Encouraged | Encouraged |