North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday issued a 30-day stay-at-home order compelling residents to remain in their homes in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Under the order, residents can only leave their homes to visit essential businesses, to exercise outside or to help a family member. It also bans all gatherings of more than 10 people. Essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open, but they must enforce social distancing practices.

Cooper, a Democrat, said during a press conference that the state is considered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to have widespread community transmission of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.

Photos: America at Standstill View All 30 Images

"Because no one is immune and there is no vaccination, the best scientifically proven tool we have to slow the spread is keeping our physical distance and staying at home," Cooper said.

"I know this order may lead to even more hardship and heartache," he said, acknowledging those who have already lost their jobs or have been self-isolating.

Several counties and cities in North Carolina have already issued local stay-at-home orders. The statewide order takes effect at 5 p.m. Monday, March 30, and expires April 29.