Message to College on Coronavirus: Governor Cooper Eases Pandemic Restrictions

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced today he will ease several statewide COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, including increasing the size of gatherings and capacity limits in retail stores and restaurants. The Executive Order will take effect March 26 at 5 p.m. and is set to expire April 30 at 5 p.m.  

“We can move forward with easing restrictions if we do it safely,” Cooper said.

The changes include:

  • The gathering-size limit will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. (Previous limits have been 25 indoors and 50 people outdoors).
  • Retail stores, salons, museums, and aquariums will be allowed to open at 100-percent capacity (up from 50 percent).
  • Restaurants, breweries, and gyms can be open at 75-percent capacity indoors (up from 50 percent) and 100 percent outdoors.
  • Bars, conference centers, music venues, and sports arenas will be allowed to open at 50-percent capacity (up from 30 percent).
  • The statewide alcohol-sales curfew is being removed. (The curfew has been 11 p.m. since Feb. 26).

The state’s mask/face covering mandate remains in effect. All businesses still must maintain social distancing measures, which could limit the capacity of some establishments.

Central Piedmont encourages all employees and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s available to all employees now, as a member of Group 3 through Atrium, Novant, Starmed, and Walgreens. 

A COVID-19 vaccination clinic for Central Piedmont employees will take place in the Worrell Building, on Central Campus, Tuesday, April 6, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Time slots are available. Register for an appointment today.

The vaccine adds one more layer of protection and can further help protect your family, co-workers, and our students. Let’s gain control of the spread and get back to the places and people we miss.

Learn more about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination. Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov or cdc.gov today.

In the meantime, the college urges you to continue to do your part and practice the 3W’s (wearing masks, washing hands, and waiting — keeping a distance — at least 6-feet apart) until the vaccine becomes available to all. Learn more about the state’s vaccination distribution plan.