NC stay at home order explained: 3 things to know, including list of essential businesses

North Carolina will be under a "stay-at-home" order beginning 5 p.m. March 30. Gov. Roy Cooper made the announcement days before in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

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

The order will be in place for 30 days. There are at least 20 other states that have similar orders in place, affecting millions of Americans. Here are three things to know about North Carolina's order:

Can I leave my home? What can I do?

The executive order instructs residents to stay at home and travel outside their residence only for a handful of reasons. They include going out to obtain medical supplies or services, picking up groceries or other necessary products, and going out to public spaces to engage in activities.

Social distance when going out is a must. Here's a full list of what the executive order permits you to to go out to do:

Seeking emergency services

Obtaining medical supplies or medication

Visiting health care professional or veterinarians

To assist others

Going to weddings and funerals

Going to pick up groceries or food

Buy auto supplies or other products to maintain safety, sanitation and essential operations of homes or businesses

Going out to walk, hike, run, golf or bike

Going to parks or other outdoor recreation areas (some playgrounds remain closed)

Going to places of worship

Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services

Going to work that is authorized to remain open

What businesses are essential?

Employees who work in certain fields that are deemed as essential are allowed to continue going to work. Employees are told to maintain social distancing between coworkers and customers.

These businesses include:

Non-profits working in CISA sectors

Health care operations

Human services operations (nursing home, child care centers, etc)

Food and beverage production and distribution, farmers

Construction and public transportation sectors

Building and ground management and maintenance

Utility operations

Cybersecurity operations

Grocery stores and pharmacies

Trash and recycling collection

Telecommunication systems

Media

First responders, emergency management, law enforcement and courts and judges

Gas stations

Religious facilities

Banks and other financial instructions

Hardware supply stores

Post offices, other shipping, delivery services

Liquor stores

Pet stores

Schools (for the purposes of providing remote learning)

Laundry services

Restaurants that provide delivery or takeout options

Office supply stores

Transportation services

Legal, accounting and insurance services

Manufacturing

Hotels

What happens if you disregard the order?

Cooper says the order carries "has the force of law."

Law enforcement has the right to prosecute those who violate the order. Such a violation could result in a Class 2 misdemeanor which could lead to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Nate Chute is a producer with the USA Today Network. Follow him on Twitter at @nchute.