“If we’re serious about protecting our community, we need to get serious about staying at home, so we can slow the spread of COVID19,” said Chairman Ford. “That’s why we moved swiftly to implement this measure. Our short-term sacrifices can mean very literally the difference between life and death for some of our residents – and it would be irresponsible not to act.”
What is Not Allowed under the Proclamation
The stay-at-home order includes the following mandates:
- All non-essential facilities, services, operations, and retail businesses must close.
- Gatherings of any size are prohibited.
- People of any age with medical conditions should not leave their homes except to get medical care.
- Social distancing must be practiced while in public.
- Public transportation should only be used if necessary. If public transport is a person’s primary way to get around, they should abide by social distancing best practices, standing and sitting at least six feet apart and using sanitizing products.
What is Allowed under the Proclamation
The stay-at-home does not restrict activities such as:
- Shopping for food at the grocery store or picking up take-out meals from a local restaurant
- Operating businesses that provide critical services like hospitals, government agencies and financial institutions
- Caring for a family member or pet in another household
- Providing childcare for parents who have to go to work at jobs that are considered essential
- Using plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and others who help maintain the safety and sanitation of residences
- Visiting a local park, greenway, or nature preserve while practicing social distancing
Wake County also has set up a dedicated phone line – 919-856-7420 – to address business-specific questions related to the stay-at-home order. In addition, special FAQs focused on the business community are posted on the county’s COVID-19 webpage. You also can find answers to business-related questions on our Response Raleigh Chamber page.
Our President and CEO Adrienne Cole released this statement in response to the Wake County stay-at-home order:
“We support the stay-at-home order issued today by Wake County leaders in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus in our community and state. We recognize the need for this action to avoid overwhelming area hospitals and healthcare workers and to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”
“We also recognize the real hardship this is creating for area businesses and employees, as well as the impact it is having on our economy and livelihoods. At the Raleigh Chamber, we are committed to supporting our business community. Our Response Raleigh Chamber website was created to provide answers to questions many are facing. It is updated regularly to include new information important for your company. You also may ask direct questions through the website and we will respond promptly.”
“For more information on the details of the stay-at-home order and what types of companies are impacted, please see their website.”