The well-being of the county’s businesses and citizens is a priority for us at Rockingham County Economic Development.  We have been closely monitoring the numerous updates and gathering resources as they become available in an effort to help manage and reduce any hardships Rockingham County’s workforce may feel as an impact of this epidemic.

Below is an evolving list of resource pertaining to state and federal COVIC-19 announcements, programs, and information to help navigate through this challenging time. If you are aware of anything that needs to be added to the list, please email tmartin@co.rockingham.nc.us.

Direct Contact Information

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline-1866-432-3821

PHASE 3 CONTINUES EASING RESTRICTIONS

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 209 lifting more Phase 3 restriction which will remain in effect until June 1, 2021 in an effort to address the on-going, public health emergency. Face coverings remain required in all indoor settings when non-household members are present, regardless of the distance away. Indoor settings include, but are not limited to retail businesses, restaurants (unless actively eating or drinking), lodging, transportation, etc. Face coverings, however, are no longer required in any outdoor setting, but still advised if large crowds are present.

Highlights of Executive Order 209 include:

  • Increases mass gathering limits from 50 to 100 people indoors and 100 to 200 people outdoors
  • Lifts the requirement for wearing face coverings in any outdoor setting

The following restrictions from Executive Order 204 are still in effect.

  • 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.

FULL EXECUTIVE ORDER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PROVIDED BY THE STATE

We have been and will continue to gather information by working with local, state, and national agencies and encourage our visitors to follow guidance from federal, state, and local public health authorities.

COVID-19 Business Resources

State  Resources

North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan: The Natural Capital Investment Fund (NCIFund) North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan program is primarily designed to be a timely source of bridge financing until businesses can access SBA Disaster or other federal disaster funding.

North Carolina Restaurant Workers Relief Fund: Any hospitality employee of a North Carolina restaurant or hotel facing significant financial hardship due to a lay-off, furlough or reduction in hours as a direct result of COVID-19 can apply for the NC Restaurants Workers Relief Fund.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS): NCDHHS has a comprehensive list of executive orders passed by Roy Cooper that impact businesses in North Carolina, and resources guidance on how to continue modified operation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC): Provides assistance with continuity planning, disaster capital, and other resources to help your business manage during the current crisis.

Federal Resources

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance & Resources: SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: The U.S. Department of Treasury CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses, and preserve jobs for American industries.

Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

General Business and Small Business Resources

Business Operations Information

Food Services Industry Information

Information for Employees/Self Employed

COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Claims

Under Executive Order #118, individuals who, as a direct result of COVID-19, are separated from employment, have had their hours of employment reduced, or are prevented from working due to a medical condition caused by COVID-19 or due to communicable disease control measures may apply for unemployment assistance immediately.

  1. Order removes the one-week waiting period for individuals to apply for benefits
  2. Order removes the requirement that a person must look for another job during this time
  3. Order also allows employees, who lost their jobs or who have had their hours reduced due to COVID-19 issues, to apply for unemployment benefits
  4. Order instructs the Employment Security office to not allocate charges to employers’ accounts for individuals who are paid benefits for reasons related to COVID-19

Relief Funding for Employees/Self Employed

Information Pertaining to Agricultural Work

Information For Re-opening Your Business

As the State of North Carolina prepares to ease restrictions surrounding sheltering in place, including non-essential business practices, there is a lot of uncertainty and concern for safety as well as compliance. Below is information to help you navigate opening your doors as well as keeping yourself and your employees safe. For more information on the COVID-19 Executive Order, please visit here.