North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced today that Executive Order #204 (“Further Easing of Restrictions on Business and Gatherings”) will take effect this Friday, March 26 at 5 pm.
It’s always difficult to summarize lengthy Executive Orders, and this one is 27 pages long with 9 appendixes for different types of venues/businesses. With the caveat that this post has some HIGHLIGHTS and is not a replacement for the Executive Order, here are some provisions that may be of interest to North Carolina homeowner and condominium associations. (FYI, anything capitalized is capitalized and defined in greater detail in the Order .)
General Recommendations. All North Carolinians are encouraged to maintain current Recommendations to Promote Social Distancing and Reduce Transmission (see prior posts) including keeping 6 feet social distancing (with the exception of family or household members), wear a Face Covering over the nose and mouth, use hand sanitizer, clean high touch surfaces, wash hands, avoid large gatherings, etc.
Restrictions on Gatherings. Executive Order #204 increases the maximum gathering numbers of people indoors to 50 and for outdoor gatherings to 100 “at the same time in a single confined indoor or outdoor space.” Such requirements should be taken into account when planning any association in-person membership or board meeting.
Face Coverings and Exercise. Those exercising must wear Face Coverings as defined in the Executive Order if (a) indoors and not within their own home, or (b) outdoors and within 6 feet of someone not residing in the person’s household.
Indoor or outdoor pools. Indoor and outdoor pool facilities must do all of the following:
- Outdoor Pools. Limit Guests to no more than 100% of the maximum occupancy as determined by fire code (or, when the fire code number is not known, 24 guests per 1000 square feet in deck areas, wading pools and splash pads, and in the water);
- Indoor Pools. Limit Guests in the pool to no more than 75% of maximum occupancy as determined by fire code (or, when the fire code number is not known, 18 guests per 1000 square feet in deck areas, wading pools and splash pads, and in the water);
- Events with Spectators have different requirements; and
- Follow the “Core Signage, Screening, and Sanitation Requirements” in the Order.
The Executive Order specifically notes that the pool provisions apply to “shared pools in commercial settings or at residential complexes,” and not to family pools at homes.
Fitness and Activity Facilities. Appendix E notes 9 requirements of fitness and activity facilities, including:
- Frequent use of hand-washing and hand sanitizer for workers and Guests.
- Disinfect all shared equipment between users, with increased disinfection during peak times.
- Mark 6 feet of spacing in lines in high-traffic areas.
- Post Emergency Maximum Occupancy limits of rooms
- Take Social Distancing Measures, including spreading out both equipment and guests. Fixed equipment should be spread out or taped off so that Guests are at least 6 feet apart.
- Follow all NCDHHS guidelines.
- Follow the “Core Signage, Screening, and Sanitation Requirements” in the Order.
Again, the modifications take effect on Friday, March 26 at 5 pm. The Order provides the easing of restrictions will remain in place through at least 5 pm on April 30, 2021. The full order with its many details can be found at Executive Order #204.
For any questions about North or South Carolina regulations or using/opening amenities in your community, contact one of the community association attorneys at any Law Firm Carolinas office.