UPDATED: Governor Cooper Eases Further Restrictions, Prepares to Reopen Fully on June 1st
UPDATE: On Wednesday, April 28th, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 209 which will end the statewide outdoor face covering mandate and increase mass gathering limits to 100 indoors and 200 outdoors. Mask use is still required for everyone indoors, and recommended outdoors for anyone that is not fully vaccinated. The mass gathering limits only apply to gathering not specifically addressed in previous executive orders. Museums, performance venues, and other arts facilities will still be subject to current capacity restrictions. This executive order is in effect from Friday, April 30th at 5:00pm through June 1st at 5:00pm. The governor also reiterated his intent to end all capacity and distancing restrictions starting on June 1st, which would allow all arts venues to open at 100% capacity. It is the also the administration’s plan to lift the indoor mask mandate when two-thirds of the state’s eligible population has been fully vaccinated.
On Tuesday, March 23rd Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 204 which increased capacity limits on ALL performing arts venues to 50% of fire capacity, limited only by the ability to keep guests 6 feet apart. Additionally, dance studios can operate at 75% of capacity and museums can operate at 100% of capacity, both limited only by keeping guests 6 feet apart. Venue capacity limits do not include performers, athletes, or staff, only guests. The size limit of social and other gatherings not otherwise addressed in the Executive Order, will be raised from 25 to 50 people indoors and and from 50 to 100 people outdoors. All the changes in this Executive Order will be in effect at 5:00pm on Friday. March 26th through 5:00pm on Friday. April 30th.
On Friday, February 26th Executive Order 195 eased a wide variety of operating restrictions affecting the arts. Most indoor venues were allowed up to 30% capacity, capped at 250, and all outdoor venues were allowed 30% capacity with no cap. Dance studios were allowed up to 50% capacity, limited for social distancing and museums were able to operate at 50% capacity, but without limiting each room to 25 persons. In addition to these changes, the 10:00pm curfew was lifted and alcohol was able to be sold until 11:00pm.
Arts North Carolina is glad to see that several of the objectives of our advocacy with the Governor Cooper’s Office and NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) continue to be been achieved, including safely raising limits on venue capacity and equal treatment of performing arts with sports, movies, and other events. We are fortunate to have strong advocacy partners in this work including the NC Theatre Conference, NC Presenters Consortium, and NC Independent Venue Alliance, as well as our state government partner the NC Arts Council.
Current Restrictions Summary for the Arts
- All Indoor and Outdoor Venues must limit the number of guests (audience) so that groups can stay 6 feet apart, keep counter and/or table seated groups 6 feet apart, and insure that performers stay at least 6 feet away from any guests. All guests must remain seated except to enter, exit, use amenities, visit the restroom, or obtain food or drink.
- INDOORS: All workers must wear masks, and all guests must wear masks unless actively drinking or eating. There is no mask exception specifically for performers. However, an individual may be exempt from wearing a mask if “giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience,” or if they are “doing any activity in which the face covering could become entangled and a choking hazard or impair vision in high risk activities such as gymnastics, cheerleading, or tumbling.” Wearing a mask is always preferred, but if not possible, significant distancing in excess of 6 feet and/or physical barriers can be used to mitigate community spread. For more information see the NCDHHS Frequently Asked Questions on Face Coverings.
- Indoor & Outdoor Venues hosting Live Performances may allow up to 50% of their stated fire capacity, limited by the ability for guests to stay 6 feet apart, and should follow NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Indoor and Outdoor Small & Medium Venues for Live Performances
- Indoor Venues showing a Movie may allow up to 50% of their stated fire capacity, limited by the ability for guests to stay 6 feet apart, and should follow NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Movie Theaters.
- Indoor Venues hosting Conferences and Events may allow up to 50% of their stated fire capacity, limited by the ability for guests to stay 6 feet apart, and should follow NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Meeting Rooms and Event Spaces.
- Indoor Venues with capacity greater than 5,000 & Outdoor Venues with capacity greater than 10,000 may allow up to 50% of their stated fire capacity, must assign seating that insures groups are 6 feet apart, and hire additional staff to manage crowds and enforce social distancing , in addition to following NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Large and Very Large Indoor and Outdoor Venue.
- Outdoor Venues showing a Movie may allow up to 75% of their stated fire capacity, limited by the ability for guests to stay 6 feet apart, and should follow NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Movie Theaters.
- Museums may allow up 100% of their stated fire capacity, limited by the ability for guests to stay 6 feet apart, and should follow NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Museums and Aquariums.
- Dance Studios may allow up to 75% of their stated fire capacity, limited to allow 6’ social distancing, and should follow NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Indoor Fitness Centers and Gyms Settings.