North Charlotte Today

Gov. Roy Cooper has extended the state's stay-at-home order.

Executive Order 189, North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, will take effect Friday, 5 p.m. on Jan. 29 and will remain in effect through 5 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2021. The order mandates a daily curfew of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.  

The extension is appropriate according to the governor even though there are existing vaccination efforts, and the number of cases is stabilizing.

Face-covering requirements, mass gathering restrictions, and capacity limits for businesses are still in place. 

Bars are to remain closed for indoor consumption during the duration of the executive order.

The governor is also extending more orders until March 31, 2021.  

To provide continued assistance to businesses who are fighting the uncertainty of the economy, “to-go” or delivery of mixed beverages is authorized until 5 p.m. by the end of March.  (Executive Order 190)

Cooper has also extended the eviction moratorium (Executive Order 191) until March 31.

Some businesses are “just OK” with the governor’s extension. 

“Just as long as he’s not closing us,” Angelo Tsepelis, French Quarter Restaurant manager said. We’re taking what business we can get.”  

Expectedly, bar owners remain hurt by the restrictions.

“In North Carolina, bars are the only businesses that haven’t been allowed to reopen their doors,” Zack Medford, president of the North Carolina Bar and Tavern Association, said in a statement, The Charlotte Observer reported. “Bar owners need substantial monetary relief and they need it immediately.”