This week, Governor Roy Cooper extended North Carolina’s Phase 3.0 COVID-19 restrictions through 5 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2020. His new Executive Order 170 extends the Phase 3 restrictions that were first detailed in Executive Order 169.

Highlights of the Phase 3 restrictions that have been extended include:

• Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators. 
• Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less. 
• Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
• Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less. 
• Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only. 

What other restrictions remain in effect?

• The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. 
• The 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars remains.
• Indoor seating areas in bars remain closed.
• Indoor rides at amusement parks remain closed.
• Fitness and exercise facilities remain open, subject to reduced capacity limits and other requirements.
• Restaurants remain subject to capacity limits and other requirements for in-person dining.
• Personal care businesses such as hair salons, nail salons, barber shops and more remain subject to capacity limits and other requirements.
• Museums and aquariums remain open, subject to reduced capacity limits and other requirements.
• Face coverings are still required in public when it is not possible to maintain social distancing from non-household members. In Phase 3, this requirement applies to any public place or business, indoor or outdoor.

FAQs for Phase 3.0 requirements that were issued with EO 169 may be accessed at this link. Please note that the FAQs do not contain the extended effective date of Nov. 13 in EO 170.

Brooks Pierce is dedicated to keeping our clients fully informed during the COVID-19 crisis.