COVID Restrictions Ease In North Carolina: 5 Things To Know

CHARLOTTE, NC — North Carolina businesses, such as bars, restaurants, gyms and salons, are set to have more breathing room Friday as the coronavirus restrictions ease up across the state.

Following months of restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, indoor service at bars and seating capacity for indoor sporting events return to the state, albeit in limited numbers. Larger indoor and outdoor gatherings also get the all clear.

"After alarmingly high numbers throughout the winter holidays, North Carolina's trends have declined and stabilized," Gov. Roy Cooper said at a news conference Wednesday. "Hospitalizations have dropped to their lowest point since before Thanksgiving. The percent of tests returning positive continues to decline. This is encouraging."

Cooper signed a new executive order this week that eases, but not fully eliminates, many COVID-19 restrictions throughout North Carolina in what he likened to a "dimmer switch."

SEE ALSO: NC To Ease Coronavirus Restrictions, Allow Larger Gatherings

"The only restriction we will lift is the Modified Stay at Home order," Cooper said. "That means no more curfew starting Friday, and more opportunities to gather, shop and attend events if done safely."

Here's a rundown of some of the highlights of the new executive order that goes into effect at Feb. 26 at 5 p.m.:

1. Many indoor facilities that have faced some of the strictest restrictions will be allowed to reopen with limits. Indoor spaces such as bars, conference and meeting spaces, lounges, night clubs, movie theaters and gaming facilities will now be able to open up for business at 30 percent capacity, with a cap of 250 people. Last call, however, will still come early. While bars and night clubs will be open, alcohol sales are banned for on-site consumption past 11 p.m.

2. Other indoor businesses will see their capacity limits increased to 50 percent. These businesses include restaurants, breweries, distilleries, bowling alleys, skating rinks, gyms, yoga studios, pools, museums, retail stores, salons, barber shops and tattoo parlors.

3. It will now become easier to catch a high school sporting event or go to an outdoor amusement park, but not a parade. The new order allows for 30 percent occupancy at outdoor sports arenas and fields, as well as indoor sporting events. Arenas with more than 5,000 seats are exempted from a 250-person cap, but may not exceed 15 percent capacity. Outdoor amusement parks will also be allowed to open at 50 percent capacity.

When it comes to parades and festivals, however, there's little reprieve. "Outdoor parades, street fairs, and festivals are subject to the mass gathering limit of no more than 50 individuals," Cooper's office said. "However, concerts and other events held at outdoor venues for live performances are subject to a 30% occupancy limit or 7 guests for every 1,000 square feet."

4. Wedding receptions also get some relief in the new order. While wedding ceremonies, along with other religious gatherings, are not subject to limits on attendees, receptions in a reception hall or meeting space will be allowed at 30 percent occupancy, not exceeding 250 people.

5. The mask mandate remains in effect in North Carolina. “Keep wearing a mask, waiting 6 feet apart, and washing your hands," North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen said. "We’ve seen in the past how fragile progress can be, so we need to keep protecting each other while we get everyone a spot to get their shot."

More information about Executive Order 195 may be found here.

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