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According to multiple sources, at 4:00 p.m. Governor Cooper will hold a press conference where he is expected to issue a 30 day “stay at home” order. This order will go into effect on Monday at 5:00 p.m.

Update 1:

Based on information Neuse News has been able to obtain, this expected order will not preempt any local ordinances which are already in place or which may be imposed. This means that local governments may impose more restrictive requirements. Also, Cooper intends to reduce the permitted size of mass gatherings to a maximum of 10 people with exceptions for grocery stores and other essential businesses that continue to be in place. The order is expected to go into effect at 5:00 pm on Monday and remain in effect for 30 days.

Update 2:

Individuals will be required to stay in their residences or outdoor spaces surrounding their residence unless engaged in permitted travel or activities. Permitted travel includes travel for health and safety, to obtain necessary supplies and services (including food, health products, supplies to work from home), for outdoor activity, to care for others, to attend worship services, participate in volunteer activities, to receive goods and services provided by an Essential Business or to work at an Essential Business.

Businesses, Non-profits, and Educational Institutions are required to cease operations or direct employees to work from home unless they fall within one of the following categories of an “Essential Business” which may continue to operate. Essential Businesses include:

• Any business that can operate while meeting social distancing requirements (6 feet apart) between and employees and between employees and customers, except for the point of sale and purchase. 

• Businesses operating in federally designated (CISA) critical infrastructure sectors: https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19.

• Healthcare and public health operations.

• Essential infrastructure operations (food and beverage production, transportation, utilities, etc).

• Grocery stores, agricultural goods and services, charitable and social services, religious entities, media, financial institutions and insurance, construction, hardware stores, professional services, mail, education, manufacturing and supply chain, hotels, liquor stores, and funeral services. 

• Businesses that do not fall within one of the designated categories of Essential Businesses who believe they may be essential, may apply to the Dept of Revenue to be deemed an Essential Business. The Dept of Revenue may grant such an application if it determines that it is in the best interest of the State to have the business continue operations. The business may continue to operate while an application is pending with DOR.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Neuse News for information.