Beginning May 22, North Carolina entered the second phase of easing certain restrictions under Gov. Roy Cooper’s reopening plans. In phase two, businesses can be open but with restrictions and smaller capacities. Bars, gyms, nightclubs, movie theaters, museums, bowling alleys, amusement parks, arcades and skating rinks will remain closed. Teleworking is still strongly encouraged where possible.
What businesses will remain closed during Phase 2?
Bars, nightclubs, spas, exercise facilities, gyms, fitness studios, martial arts facilities, dance studios, trampoline and rock-climbing facilities, roller skating rinks, ice staking rinks and basketball courts must remain closed.
How can I protect customers at my restaurant, hotel or other business that serves the public?
As restaurants, hotels, attractions and other businesses that serve the public reopen in phases, Count On Me NC has training to help companies keep patrons safe from COVID-19. Training is available for owners, front- and back-of-house restaurant staff, sanitation workers and more. Businesses that complete training are provided Count On Me NC branding materials to show customers they have taken the pledge to protect against COVID-19.
Count On Me NC is partnership among the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association, N.C. State Cooperative Extension and Visit NC.
How do I protect workers at my business?
If your business is open, workers and clients are advised to practice social distancing. That includes:
- Staying at least six feet away from others;
- Wearing a cloth face covering in public settings;
- Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds;
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that get touched often;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze;
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that get touched often; and
- Not shaking hands.
Additionally, employers should:
- Order employees to stay home when they are sick.
- Be flexible in sick leave benefits.
- Consider staggering start and end times of employees, to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time.
- Offer opportunities for teleworking.
Additional information can be found on the NCDHHS site here.
I run a childcare facility. How should I protect our children and staff?
To the extent possible, childcare facilities must also follow the state’s guidance for their facilities.
Where can I go for help during this economically challenging time for my business?
Wake County is partnering with the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Wake County Economic Development to share resources with all businesses impacted by closures and service restrictions. You can visit their COVID-19 resource page for more information.
If I have to lay off employees, what can I do?
Capital Area Workforce Development can support businesses and impacted workers facing layoffs, closures and other sensitive business actions. These rapid response services are customized and offered virtually. Contact Kimberly Wheeler at 919-856-6046 or kimberly.wheeler@wakegov.com.
People can apply for unemployment on the N.C. Department of Commerce’s website. Under Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order signed on March 17, unemployment benefits will be easier to access during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are the special restrictions for nursing homes?
Nursing homes, long-term care facilities and assisted living centers are no longer allowed to receive visitors, per Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order. These facilities must also cease all group activities that don’t allow for social distancing.
Are restaurants in Wake County closed?
Starting on Friday, May 22, Wake County restaurants can reopen dining rooms but at limited capacity.