North Iredell News

With North Carolina under a stay-at-home order and many businesses closed, here is some help to understand what is and is not open. 

Gov. Roy Cooper in March issued orders fundamentally changing how North Carolina's residents typically went about their daily lives. The orders were similar to what a majority of states have implemented to help slow the spread of the highly-infectious coronavirus. 

As of April 4, there were more than 2,585 positives in 89 counties and 31 deaths, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. 

"The intent of Executive Order 120 is to limit close personal contact to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus," State Sen. Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell) posted to her Facebook page on March 27 with a list of impacted sectors. 

Entertainment businesses forced to close include bowling alleys, movie theaters, mini-golf courses, amusement parks and pools. Video poker, gaming, computer and other gaming businesses will also be closed as well as indoor exercise facilities. 

But many essential businesses are permitted to stay open under the order. 

"While the Order does not apply to the following businesses, social distancing and mass gathering provisions apply," Sawyer said in the post. 

For example, pet care, home repair, farmers' markets, various therapies, RV parks and cleaning services can remain open.

Other essential businesses are grocery stores, pharmacies, food banks, gas stations, construction, post office, take-out and deliver restaurants, senior care centers, funeral homes and hotels, Mooresville Tribune reported. 

To view a list of all businesses ordered to close and ones allowed to stay open, view Sawyer's Facebook post. 

While essential businesses are allowed to stay open, Cooper's order mandates following social distancing guidelines, such as regular handwashing and staying 6 feet from people. 

As part of the order, law enforcement has the authority to issue misdemeanor citations to violators, the Mooresville Tribune reported. 

Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said his office will give residents traveling the benefit of the doubt. 

“First, we will not be stopping cars or boats to check your travel papers, nor will we set up checkpoints to inquire about your travel plans,” Campbell wrote in a Facebook post. “We believe the residents of Iredell County are responsible and will be moving about for the purposes of taking care of your essential needs.”