Message to the College on Coronavirus: State Moves to Reopening Phase 2.5 Sept. 4

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday, Sept. 1 that he is moving the state into Phase 2.5 of reopening. Businesses like gyms and museums in Mecklenburg County and across the state closed since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic can reopen — with limitations — beginning Friday, Sept. 4, at 5 p.m.

In summary, the Governor’s order states:

  • Gyms and other indoor exercise facilities can open at 30 percent capacity.
  • The limits on mass gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
  • Playgrounds can open. Museums and aquariums can open at 50 percent capacity.
  • Capacity limits at restaurants and personal care businesses like hair and nail salons will stay the same.
  • Some places will remain closed, including bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment, and amusement parks. Large venues will still be subject to the mass gathering limits.
  • The statewide age requirement for face coverings includes children as young as five.

Central Piedmont Updates

Central Piedmont fall semester classes are being taught in multiple formats — online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face. (Hybrid and blended courses include both online and some face-to-face instruction.) The full 12-week fall semester began Aug. 10. Short- and mini-sessions of fall classes begin Monday, Sept. 14, Wednesday, Oct. 14, and Wednesday, Nov. 11.

For students who attend classes on campus, please read the student guide to returning to campus carefully. It will be important you follow all of the safety practices detailed in the guide. These include wearing a face covering, keeping a social distance from others, washing your hands frequently, self-monitoring for possible COVID-19 symptoms, and staying home if you feel ill at all.

Employees are encouraged to read the employee guide for returning to campus to learn how to best keep their teammates and students as healthy and safe as possible going forward.

Class registration for the fall term is ongoing through Tuesday, Nov. 10. Learn more about fall session start dates and how to register for classes.