North Carolina Lowers Indoor Gathering Limit to 10 to Slow Spread of COVID-19

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4.

"This reduction in our indoor gathering limit aims to slow the spread and bring down our numbers," Governor Cooper said. "It also sends a serious signal to families, friends and neighbors across our state. Success in slowing the spread will help our businesses."

As the weather gets colder, more people will be gathering indoors. Science has shown that indoor gatherings increase risk of transmission of COVID-19, and this Executive Order seeks to limit indoor gatherings that could rapidly and dangerously spread the virus. 

The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out. For more on this, read the Frequently Asked Questions document. 

Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also underscored the need for people to wear a mask anytime they gather with people outside of their immediate household. As the holiday season approaches, NCDHHS released health guidance to help people celebrate as safely as possible without spreading the virus. 

“Let’s keep our friends, family, and loved ones safe this holiday season. If you are going to travel or get together, plan ahead to reduce the risk to your family and friends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Cohen. “Remember, it’s not how well you know someone when it comes to wearing a mask. If they don’t live with you, get behind the mask.“

Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends. 
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Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days 

• North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing but still elevated.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days 

• North Carolina’s trajectory of cases is increasing. 

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days 

• North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is level but above 5 percent. 

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days 

• North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level but high. 

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.
Testing 

• Testing capacity is high

Tracing Capability 

• The state is continuing to hire contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments. 
• There have been almost 350,000 downloads of the exposure notification app, SlowCOVIDNC. 

Personal Protective Equipment 

• North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable. 

Read Executive Order 176. 
Read a Frequently Asked Questions document about the Order. 
Read the slides from today’s briefing.
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Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program Expands

Also today, Governor Cooper announced that full-service restaurants are now eligible for assistance through the Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program (MURR) administered by the NC Department of Commerce.

These businesses may apply for up to 4 months of rent or mortgage interest capped at $20,000 per location for up to 2 locations. Businesses can learn more and apply by visiting www.nccommerce.com/murr.