Coronavirus: What Buncombe businesses are required to close due to the county's mandate?

The Citizen Times is providing this story for free to readers because of the need for information about the coronavirus. We encourage you to further support local journalism by subscribing.

Buncombe County officials waffled March 19 on the specifics of a local order they issued that day mandating the closure of certain businesses and prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people.

First they lacked clarity on when the measure would go into effect (the gatherings were immediately banned; the business closure was effective at 5 p.m. that night).

Local response: Buncombe OKs $500K in emergency funds in response to COVID-19

Then, they disagreed on exactly what businesses were included in the measure. The county distributed a clarifying release late that evening. Here's what we know now:

What businesses are required to close?

The order specifically names gyms, fitness centers, exercise facilities, indoor pools, spas, beauty salons, barbershops, movie theaters, live performance venues and arcades as being affected by the order.

According to the county, gyms and fitness centers include:

martial arts studios

cross-fit gyms

dance studios

Spas include:

massage parlors

medical spas

nail salons

beauty parlors

hair dressers, even one chair salons

barber shops

tattoo parlors

And arcades include:

bowling alleys

indoor recreation centers

climbing gyms

trampoline parks

escape rooms

"This is not an exhaustive list," the county stated in its release.

If your business or service delivery requires you to be within six feet of another person for 10 minutes or more, then it likely that it falls within the declaration.

What businesses are excluded?

The mandate does not include:

grocery stores

pharmacies

convenience stores

hardware stores

gas stations

farmers markets

food distribution sites selling prepared food

More: Why your grocery stores won't close, will meet demand

More: Asheville Liquor sales booming, but stores will curtail hours

Auto dealerships are not included in Buncombe's mandate as long as folks are practicing social distancing and not standing within six feet of each other for 10 minutes or more, Public Health preparedness director Fletcher Tove added in a March 20 briefing.

Where can 10 or more people still gather?

The limitation on gatherings does not include:

normal operations at medical facilities

recovery groups

airports

bus and train stations

shopping malls

office environments

factories

child care centers.

Essential health and safety services also are exempt.

Are outdoor gatherings of 10 or more prohibited?

Yes. The order limits all gatherings, regardless of available space.

Why did the county do this?

Buncombe officials said the order is part of an effort to "be proactive and save lives" by increasing and encouraging social distancing in the county.

Related: NC's 1st case of 'community spread' coronavirus; Schools likely shut longer

"This next week is absolutely critical in Buncombe County's fight against the spread of COVID-19," the release states. "These enhanced measures we are implementing now are vital in reducing the impact the disease will have on our community in the long-term."

Buncombe County Public Health will reevaluate the measure March 27. Tove said this could mean additional closures.

Mackenzie Wicker covers Buncombe County for the Asheville Citizen Times. You can reach her at mwicker@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter @MackWick.

Read more: Subscribe to the Citizen Times here.