North Carolina enters Phase 2 of re-opening Friday — here’s what you need to know

Governor Cooper has announced that on Friday, May 22nd, at 5 p.m., North Carolina will enter Phase 2 of re-opening.

Phase 2 runs through at least Friday, June 26th, unless changed or canceled.

Here’s what that means.

The Stay at Home Order will be lifted, replaced with a “Safer at Home” recommendation:

• Mass gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors in most circumstances
• Mass gatherings are limited to 25 outdoors in most circumstances
• These limits apply to conference centers, stadiums, sports arenas, amphitheaters, parks, beaches
• Some businesses will remain closed in Phase 2, including bars, night clubs, gyms, indoor fitness facilities, indoor entertainment venues, movie theaters, bowling alleys
• Restaurants may open for dine-in, with 50% capacity, with distances and cleaning requirements
• Personal care businesses, including salons and barbers, can open at 50% capacity, with distances and cleaning requirements. Employees will be required to wear face coverings
• Pools can open at 50% capacity, with distancing and cleaning requirements
• Childcare facilities, day camps and overnight camps will be open with enhanced cleaning and screening requirements
• Retail businesses allowed to open in Phase 1 at 50% capacity will continue at that level
• Public health recommendations are provided for worship services to practice enhanced social distancing and other cleaning and hygiene practices

As events are announced, we will add them to Charlotte on the Cheap’s event calendar.

But it’s important to mention that you still have a choice. Just because a store is open, or just because an outdoor event has been announced, does not mean that you have to go. You need to use all the information at your disposal and make the choice that makes sense for you.

In your decision-making process, please do think about business owners, and, if you aren’t comfortable going to the stores in person, or your favorite bar remains closed, consider placing an order for pickup, buying a gift card, or contributing to a fundraising campaign for employees. 

You don’t have to make a choice between helping our local economy and keeping yourself and your family safe. You can do both.

Our calendar will still include plenty of virtual events, as long as they’re taking place. And we’ll also be adding content about activities that will allow you get outside while avoiding groups of people.

If there is content that you’d like to see on Charlotte on the Cheap, please let us know!