Governor Cooper has announced an executive order making all North Carolina restaurants and bars off-limits for dine-in customers as of 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Some dining establishments in Boone and other areas have already voluntarily closed their doors this week while offering takeout or delivery service. Now all restaurants and bars across the state are required to do the same. Gov. Roy Cooper says actions like these are necessary to keep fewer people from getting sick at the same time.
“Take out and delivery will still be allowed and please note that grocery stores will remain open,” he says. "I know there's a natural tendency to stockpile food and emergencies but I urge people not to go overboard. Leave some for others.”
Cooper's executive order also provides some aid for workers who are losing their jobs because of COVID-19-related circumstances. He says the changes are designed to lessen the hit on the economy and workers wallets.
- It removes the one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment benefits for those workers who lose their jobs.
- It removes the requirement that a person must look for another job during this time when so many potential employers are closed and social distancing guidelines are in effect.
- It allows employees who lose their jobs or in certain cases have their hours reduced due to COVID-19 issues to apply for benefits.
- It enables applicants to apply for benefits remotely by phone or online (www.des.nc.gov).
- It directs that employers are not responsible for benefits paid as a direct result of covid-19 claims.
North Carolina currently has around $3.8 billion in the state's unemployment trust fund. Cooper says part of that will be used for the state's coronavirus response and actions in the executive order.
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