This news item expired on Monday, March 30, 2020 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Updated March 15
Late on March 14, Governor Cooper issues an executive order that bans mass gatherings of more than 100 people and closes K-12 public schools across the state for two weeks beginning March 16.
On March 12, Governor Roy Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) offered new statewide guidance for mass gatherings to protect the health and safety of our communities and help prevent further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). “We know if we can slow the spread of the virus now, fewer people will be infected or become seriously ill,” states Cooper.
The new guidance includes information for mass gatherings. NCDHHS recommends organizers cancel, postpone, or use online streaming alternatives for events that draw more than 100 people or where there might be close contact with others (less than six feet). These include concerts, conferences, sporting events, faith-based events, and other large gatherings.
Following Buncombe County’s declaration of a local state of emergency, the County has been receiving questions from many area clergies about best practices. “To help achieve our goal of limiting the spread of coronavirus, I urge all members of the community to avoid or postpone any nonessential public gatherings at this time,” says Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Brownie Newman. “Many faith leaders are already canceling services for one or two weeks and I commend the faith community for taking these proactive steps, which will reduce the number of people who get sick and will ultimately save lives.”
NCDHHS offers the following guidelines for community and faith-based organizations:
- Community- and faith-based organizations, whose members may include high-risk populations, should plan for the possibility of a coronavirus outbreak in their local communities.
- Religious organizations can consider alternatives to mass gatherings to support their congregations’ social and spiritual well-being. Consider options like connecting by phone, using other technologies that support social distancing, and/or facilitating small-group meetings to ensure that people at high risk of complications from COVID-19 are less likely to be exposed to the virus.
Additional resources:
- Preparedness information and up-to-date news can be found at buncombecounty.org/bcready.
- For general questions and assistance, call the statewide coronavirus helpline 24/7, 866-462-3821
- Use the NCDHHS website for local information.
- The CDC website has the most accurate information about coronavirus.
Spread the word about these important communication channels. It takes everyone working together to share accurate and timely information.