Video: You can watch the update from Governor Cooper and the Coronavirus Taskforce above.
UPDATE (12:45 p.m. Wednesday) — On Wednesday afternoon, the county issued this statement:
Retailers have been asked, under the county’s order, to close off “any portion of its facility dedicated to non-essential goods that it is reasonably capable of closing.” However, essential business retailers may choose to close off additional areas of their store, more restrictive of the state and local orders.
Below is an outline of general items and goods deemed essential under the state-wide and county-wide orders, as determined by the county and city legal teams. If a business chooses to limit the sale of essential items in their establishment, they can do that as that is their business decision. Our legal teams can only advise them regarding what is allowed to stay open.
Essential: food/beverages/groceries (for people and pets), pharmacy/medicine items, health/beauty items, electronics (especially those that assist with mobility, like cell phones), office supplies, books for educational purposes, lawn/garden, construction/hardware/home maintenance, housewares, appliances, vehicle maintenance and repair
Non-Essential: furniture, clothing (except for specific clothing used to make cloth masks), sporting goods, toys (for people or pets), music, movies, greeting cards & party supplies
As you all know, information is constantly evolving, so we will continue to update guidance as it is needed. As a reminder, retailers are able to sell any and all goods online and via curbside pick-up. This information is included on the county’s FAQ page as well.
RALEIGH — According to Governor Roy Cooper, forthcoming executive orders will limit the number of customers in so-called ‘essential’ retailers, as well as address other issues associated with Covid-19 and the economic collateral damage associated with the state’s attempts to stem its spread.
During an update from the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force, Cooper said he intends to sign a new order that will put ‘guard rails’ on social distancing at essential businesses.
Some stores have already taken initiatives to limit the number of customers. In the Wilmington area, Trader Joe’s has dispatched employees to the front door to regulate the number of customers and sanitize shopping carts, Lowe’s stores have employed ‘ambassadors’ to keep customers well-spaced, and Walmart stores are limiting customers based on square footage.
Cooper didn’t touch on specifics, but they are expected soon. Cooper did say that the limits on the number of people in essential retail stores would be ‘mandatory,’ and would likely be enforceable in the same way as his other executive orders.
Violations of executive order mandates can be charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor; Cooper had deferred to local District Attorney’s offices when it comes to enforcement. While local law enforcement agencies have generally said they are aiming for ‘voluntary adherence’ over criminal enforcement, the Wilmington Police Department has already issued its first citation for violating the state and county’s regulations.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has also announced financial support for ‘essential workers’ and child care providers.
Today, DHHS released the following info:
NCDHHS established an Emergency Child Care Subsidy Program for essential workers as defined in Governor Roy Cooper’s March 27 Executive Order 121. Essential worker emergency child care financial assistance will be offered through May and may be extended. To receive an emergency care subsidy, parents must complete the COVID-19 Parent Application for Financial Assistance for Emergency Child Care and submit it to their child care provider. Financial aid is available to parents and caregivers who are essential workers and who meet the following criteria:
- Their income is below 300 percent of the poverty line;
- They are an essential worker fighting COVID-19 or protecting the health and safety of communities; and
- They feel they have no other viable child care options available to them.
The hotline is available to help essential workers find child care programs that are meeting new health, safety and operational guidelines. Care options are available in licensed child care facilities for children from infants through age 12. The hotline is in partnership with the NC Child Care Resource and Referral Network. Parents and caregivers can call (888) 600-1685 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
