We have decided to pull some basic information about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to better inform the public on what exactly the world is dealing with.
This fact sheet from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services details community restrictions.
Community Events and Mass Gatherings
To slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and reduce the number of people infected, Gatherings that draw more than 100 people are prohibited under Executive Order 117 issued by Governor Roy Cooper on March 14.
The Executive Order mandates that organizers of events that draw more than 100 people cancel, postpone or modify these events or offer online streaming services. These events include large gatherings where people are in close contact (less than 6 feet), such as concerts, conferences, sporting events, faith-based events and other large gatherings.
The ban on gatherings does not include airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and spaces where people may be in transit. Office environments, restaurants, factories, or retail or grocery stores are also excluded.
NCDHHS also recommends that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout North Carolina. These events may include but are not limited to conferences, sporting events, faith-based organizations, and concerts. NCDHHS has guidance available for gatherings of less than 50 people.
Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about planning mass gatherings or large community events.
Community and Faith-Based Organizations
Community- and faith-based organizations, whose members may include high-risk populations, should plan for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in their local communities.
While regular faith-based gatherings are an important part of many North Carolinians’ lives, it is important to protect high-risk individuals from potential exposure to COVID-19.
Religious organizations can consider alternatives to mass gatherings to support their congregations’ social and spiritual well-being. Consider options like connecting by phone, using other technologies that support social distancing and/or facilitating small group meetings to ensure that people at high risk of complications from COVID-19 are less likely to be exposed to the virus.
Mass Transit
Mass transit operators should maximize opportunities for cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces. People should avoid using use mass transit (e.g. buses, trains) while sick.
(*Note: The Richmond Observer did not include all the hyper links from the page. Visit the page: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/community-events )
