Executive Order 176 Fast Facts

North Carolina will remain in Phase 3 for an additional three weeks. Indoor gathering limits have also been reduced from 25 people to 10 people in an effort to mitigate increasing COVID-19 numbers that hurt our community and our businesses. Executive Order 176 takes effect on November 13th, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. It is effective until December 4th, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. The previous order that limits retailers and restaurants to 50% capacity remains the same, and EO 176 does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out in previous EOs. Here are some fast facts:

• Restaurants and places of worship will remain open. EO 176 does not impact how restaurants and places of worship operate, but they are still subject to stated capacity limits and other requirements.
• Bars’ outdoor seating areas remain open, subject to reduced capacity limits and other restrictions. Indoor bar areas remain closed as outlined by Phase 3 restrictions.
• The Mass Gathering Limit for indoor spaces is reduced from 25 to 10 people. These are specifically geared to address holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and other related indoor social gatherings.
• Fitness and exercise facilities remain open, and are also subject to stated capacity limits and other requirements.

Greater Winston Salem, Inc. will continue to monitor these actions and help inform the community about how these policies impact business in our area.

Mortgage, Utility, Rent Relief Program (MURR) Expansion

Starting Thursday, full-service restaurants can apply for assistance through the Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program (MURR), administered by the NC Department of Commerce. Eligible restaurants could get up to $20,000 to help with rent and utilities from the program.