News Flash

For Immediate Release

04/16/2020                        

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-map

What is Considered an Essential Business Under Executive Orders

The Public Health Command Center has received many questions about what businesses are considered essential.  NC Executive Order 121 contains 30 different business classifications that are deemed essential. 

The first classification in the list is “Businesses that meet Social Distancing requirements”.  That item stipulates that “businesses, not-for-profit organizations or educational institutions that conduct operations while maintaining Social Distancing requirements between and among its employees and customers except at the point of sale or purchase” may be deemed essential. 

While this item technically creates a loop-hole, it is everyone’s responsibility to adhere to the Stay At Home section of the Executive Order.  “All individuals currently in the State of North Carolina are ordered to stay at home, their place of residence or current place of abode…” 

Rowan County Emergency Services Chief Chris Soliz says, “Staying at home is how we end the cycle of community spread and flatten the curve.  The quicker we achieve this, the quicker we can once again support local business in person.  Short-term sacrifices will help ensure our local economy rebounds faster and healthier.”

Several common diseases such as the flu have a vaccine.  People get this vaccine hoping it will lessen their chances of catching the flu.  There are no vaccines for COVID-19, but we do have ways to lessen our chances of catching it: use proper handwashing techniques, use coughing/sneezing etiquette, practice appropriate distancing from others, and STAY AT HOME.

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Download Media Release COVID-19 - April 16, 2020 (PDF)