— On March 30, 2020, at 5 p.m., a statewide "stay-at-home" order goes into effect in North Carolina and lasts 30 days. The order expands the list of public places ordered to close to prevent the spread of coronavirus, lowers the limit for the number of people at gatherings to 10, requires people keep 6 feet apart when out of the house and extends the closing of public schools through May 15.

The statewide limits apply in all 100 counties, though some counties, including Wake and Durham, have set guidelines of their own.

"If a local community has enacted stricter orders than the statewide issue, the stricter order applies," Cooper said. Most local orders, including those in Wake and Durham counties, are similar to state orders.

Wake County has asked people to stay home and limit contacts to immediate family.

Businesses closed to limit spread of coronavirus

The following, if not already closed, must close by 5 p.m. March 30:

Bingo parlors

Bowling alleys

Ice-skating rinks

Indoor exercise facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios and martial arts facilities)

Health clubs

Indoor pools

Live performance venues

Movie theaters

Rollerskating rinks

Spas

Sweepstakes lounges

Video game arcades

Personal care and grooming businesses, including: barber shops, beauty salons, hair salons, nail salons, massage therapists, and tattoo parlors

The governor also imposed a ban on visitors – other than essential health care personnel and those providing end-of-life care – to long-term care facilities, nursing homes, mental health group homes and other facilities for those with intellectual disabilities.

Wake County also ordered the closing of public playgrounds where shared equipment could carry germs. People can continue using open spaces at parks, including greenways and trails, while maintaining social distancing.

What can I do? Where can I go?

The governor's order limits travel outside the home to a limited number of reasons:

shop for necessary supplies – stores that sell groceries, automobile supplies and supplies that support people as they work remain open

seek health or safety help – for emergency care, medical supplies or medication or to visit a health professional, including veterinarians, and to care for a family member or friend, including pets.

go outdoors for exercise – with appropriate social distance. Public parks and recreation areas remain open for walking, hiking, running, golf or biking.

What's still open?

The list of businesses allowed to remain open includes:

those who care for others, including doctors, hospitals, veterinarians and nannies.

grocery stores, pharmacies and others who sell food and medicine, although many have limited hours, to allow for thorough overnight cleaning.

Public transportation is operating, in many places on a limited schedule, and riders must comply with social distancing requirements.

restaurants, although they are limited from dining services and may serve only through pickup or delivery

organizations that provide charity or social services

retailers considered critical: electronics stores that sell phones, computers and other communication technology lawn and garden equipment book stores beer, wine and liquor stores pet and feed stores

houses of worship, although many have moved services online to encourage social distancing

media

gas stations and businesses that support transportation, including auto supply and repair, bicycle shops and towing services

banks and financial institutions, including pawnbrokers and insurance companies

home improvement and hardware stores

trades like plumbers, electricians, exterminators, security and cleaning services

mail delivery and shipping

laundromats

hotels and motels

funeral services

industries identified as "critical infrastructure" by the Department of Homeland Security, including:

health care and public health

law enforcement, public safety and first responders

food and agriculture, including those who make, produce, transport or deliver food

electricity and energy

water and wastewater services

transportation, including departments of transportation

critical manufacturing, defined as those necessary for the manufacturing of materials and products needed for medical supply chains, and for supply chains associated with transportation, energy, communications, food and agriculture, chemical manufacturing, nuclear facilities, the operation of dams, water and wastewater treatment, emergency services, and the defense industrial base.

Businesses that remain open must comply with social distancing requirements between and among employees and between employees and customers, except those making purchases.

Retail stores and workplaces that remain open are encouraged to take customers' and employees' temperatures before they enter their buildings. Anyone with a fever of 100.4 or higher should be turned away.

"Every business has to adapt in a way that makes sense for them, but ultimately, we want businesses to be conscientious and be taking forward-looking steps to ensure we slow the spread of this virus as much as possible," Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria said.

"The goal is to minimize the spread of disease in the community and also to maintain a healthy workplace, even though we're in a pandemic event in this country," said Dr. Jose Cabanas, medical director of Wake County EMS.