May 5. Phase 1 of reopening North Carolina for business begins Friday at 5 pm. Gov. Roy Cooper has signed Executive Order No. 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order, easing certain COVID-19 restrictions.

Certain businesses remain closed as the state continues battling COVID-19, including personal care businesses, entertainment venues and gyms.

The new order removes the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50 percent capacity and will be required to direct customers to stand 6 feet apart.

The order is in effect until 5 pm on Friday, May 22.

“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” Cooper said.

He called it a “careful and deliberate” first step, guided by scientific data.

“North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating,” Cooper said.

People are advised to wear a face covering, wash their hands and practice social distancing.

Certain businesses remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take out and delivery.

Click here for frequently asked questions about the new order.

Teleworking is still encouraged for businesses that can practice it.

Though small outdoor gatherings will be allowed in Phase 1, gatherings of more than 10 people generally are still prohibited.

The Order encourages cloth face coverings to be worn when outside the home and in contact with others.

Everyone who uses a face covering should adhere to this guidance without fear of profiling or bias.

During Phase 1, childcare facilities will be open to serve families of parents who are working or looking for work. These centers will be required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.

In explaining today’s Order, Governor Cooper and NC Health Secretary Mandy Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is slightly increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

• North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

• North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate.

Tracing Capability

• The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has received over 4,000 applications and is in the process of hiring 250 new contact tracers.

Personal Protective Equipment 

• Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.

To view the governor’s presentation with back-up data, click here.