Governor Roy Cooper Announces That the State will Continue to Ease Some COVID-19 Restrictions

Gov. Cooper issued Executive Order No. 204 which will take effect March 26 at 5 pm and expire April 30 at 5 pm. The state’s general mask mandate remains in effect.

Restaurants, breweries, wineries, and gyms can increase indoor capacity limits to 75% — up from 50% — and outdoor capacity to 100%. Also, bars and event venues, such as conference centers and sports arenas, will be allowed to operate at 50% of indoor and outdoor capacity, and the 11 p.m. cutoff for alcohol sales will end.

Executive Order No. 204 will also increase mass gathering limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 25 to 50 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 50 to 100. This Order also fully lifts the restriction on the late-night sale and service of alcoholic beverages on bars, restaurants, and other establishments.

Indoors and Outdoors up to 100% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing 

• Museums and Aquariums
• Retail Businesses
• Salons, personal care and grooming businesses, tattoo parlors

Indoors up to 75% and Outdoors up to 100% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing 

• Restaurants 
• Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
• Recreation (e.g., bowling, skating, rock climbing)
• Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, yoga studios, fitness centers)
• Pools
• Amusement Parks

Indoors and Outdoors up to 50% Capacity, Subject to Masks and 6 ft. Social Distancing 

• Bars
• Movie Theaters*
• Gaming Facilities*
• Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
• Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
• Auditoriums, Arenas, and other venues for live performances
• Sports Arenas and Fields (includes professional, collegiate, and amateur

*Movie theaters and gaming facilities may operate at up to 75% capacity outdoors.
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