Governor Roy Cooper announced Executive Order 195 — which eases some pandemic restrictions and lifts North Carolina’s modified stay at home order — earlier this week.

“Given the significant and sustained improvement in our COVID-19 metrics,” said Cooper, “today I am announcing that we will ease but not lift restrictions in several areas with a new executive order that will go into effect this Friday, February 26.”

The move is one of the first shifts from restrictions set in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus. As it goes into effect Friday, here’s what North Carolinians need to know about the new order and how it affects our community.

How does the order affect businesses?

Fitness and physical activity facilities, museums, personal care businesses, restaurants, and retail businesses can open their indoors to 50 percent capacity, an increase from before.

Bars, lounges, movie theaters and entertainment facilities, meeting spaces and conference centers, and venues or arenas can open indoor spaces to 30 percent capacity, which had previously not been allowed under the order. The time for ending on-site alcohol purchases will also be extended to 11 p.m.

Additionally, the 10 p.m. curfew within North Carolina has been lifted.

Most indoor facilities in the 30 percent-occupancy category may not exceed 250 people per indoor room or indoor space. All workers and guests must continue to wear face masks at all times.

More information about specific businesses can be found within documents for the executive order.

How does the order affect athletic events?

Under the executive order, college and professional indoor sports can have fans at 15 percent capacity with certain protocols. UNC has already announced plans to welcome back fans this weekend, including for Saturday’s basketball game against Florida State.

“Our priorities will continue to be allowing family members of student-athletes and coaches, as well as Carolina students, into our arenas,” wrote UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham. “We also have worked to include opportunities for faculty, staff, Rams Club members and sponsors to attend different sporting events when possible.”

No tickets will be made available to the general public for the remaining two UNC basketball games.

Single-game tickets will be on sale for baseball, lacrosse and soccer. A limited number of students and fans will also be allowed at field hockey, softball, volleyball, gymnastics and tennis matches.

Does the order affect high school sports?

While the executive order allows for a limited number of fans at high school sports games, different guidelines may be enacted locally. The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education met last week and took no action on a motion to allow fans at high school games.

The board is set to meet next week on Thursday, March 4.

At his press conference, Governor Cooper also gave an update on COVID-19 metrics in the state and encouraged residents to continue virus mitigation measures despite loosened restrictions.

“Easing these restrictions will only work if we keep protecting ourselves and others from this deadly virus,” Cooper said. “The order and our own common sense say that health and safety protocols must remain in place.”

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