UPDATE: 5:00 PM, March 27, 2020
NC Governor Issues Stay At Home Order: What You Need to Know
NC Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a 30-day Stay At Home order for the entire state effective at 5:00 PM on Monday, March 30. Executive Order 121 orders North Carolinians to remain in their homes except for performing essential work and essential activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety purposes. It also restricts travel to essential activities only and limits mass gatherings to no more than 10.
Under the Stay At Home order, the following businesses and facilities are permitted to remain open:
Restaurants that provide take-out, drive-thru, or delivery
Grocery stores
ABC stores and beer and wine stores
Doctors and other healthcare providers
Pharmacies
Hardware stores
Post offices
Banks and financial institutions
Child care facilities meeting NC Department of Health and Human Services requirements
Office supply stores
Gas stations and convenience stores
Veterinarians and pet supply stores
Hotels, airlines, buses, taxis, and rideshare services
In addition, governments, places of worship, media outlets, home-based health care providers, and charitable organizations will be permitted to continue operations.
Non-essential businesses that were closed to the public by March 25 under Gov. Cooper's earlier executive order must remain closed under the Stay At Home order.
Those businesses include:
Hair salons and barber shops
Nail salons
Day spas
Gyms and fitness facilities (including yoga and martial arts studios and indoor trampoline and rock-climbing facilities)
Movie theaters
Skating rinks
Bowling alleys
Live music venues
Indoor/outdoor pools
Gaming establishments (including bingo parlors and arcades)
Below is a list of frequently asked questions from the NC Office of the Governor regarding the shelter in place order.
Download the full list of FAQs regarding the NC Stay At Home order
What does "stay at home" mean?
It means that people should stay at their residence and limit social interactions and travel foressential activities or essential business purposes.
When will this order be lifted?
It is valid through April 29, 2020 but can be revised orextended.
Is this executive order mandatory, or is it just guidance?
Mandatory. All persons and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the order.
How will this executive order be enforced?
Gov. Cooper is seeking voluntary cooperation from all state residents and businesses to ensure the health and safety of our communities. If voluntary cooperation is not achieved, state and local law enforcement officers have the authority to enforce the order.
Can I leave my home to visit friends or family members?
Individuals may leave their homes to care for a family member or friend or to help their family member or friend get essential goods or receive necessary health care. Individuals should not visit with friends or family members if there is no urgent need.
What if I require medical attention?
Individuals may leave their homes to receive necessary medical care. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please follow guidance provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. If you have mild symptoms, stay home and call your doctor.
Can I leave my home to exercise?
People are encouraged to maintain healthy lifestyles, including outdoor recreational activity, such as walking pets and jogging. While exercising, individuals should maintain social distancing and continue to take protective measures to maintain their personal health and wellbeing.
Does this order prohibit outside group exercise?
As long as the group abides by the mass gatherings provision in the order (no more than 10 people) and maintains adequate social distancing, this activity is not prohibited, but it is strongly discouraged.
Can I take my kids to the park?
People may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas while following social distancing and mass gathering guidelines. Public playgrounds and their equipment are closed for use statewide.
UPDATE: 6:00 PM, March 26, 2020
What to Do if You Feel Sick
Here is a helpful informational sheet, in case you missed it, to determine what steps to take if you feel sick but aren't sure if you need to be tested for the coronavirus.
VIew/download COVID-19 info sheet as PDF
UPDATE: 5:00 PM, March 26, 2020
Coronavirus Update: County Confirms 11th Case
As of March 26, there are 11 positive cases of COVID-19, 240 pending test results, and 155 confirmed negative test results in Brunswick County, totaling 406 administered tests so far
Travelers returning after domestic travel from areas with widespread community transmission, cruise ships, riverboats, or by air travel should self-quarantine at home for 14 days after returning
Brunswick County now requires individuals to contact county departments via phone or email first and to schedule appointments for in-person visits if necessary to support social distancing for our residents and team members
Testing is available in Brunswick County; if you suspect you have coronavirus symptoms, contact your primary medical provider first to determine if your symptoms warrant a test and if they provide tests; contact Public Health if you need assistance locating a provider to test.
UPDATE: 4:25 PM, March 26, 2020
County Parks Remain Open with Adjusted Restroom Hours
From Brunswick County
All Brunswick County parks remain open to the public at their regularly scheduled hours: every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the exception of Brunswick Nature Park, which is always open from 8 a.m. to dusk.
To continue to maintain a high standard of cleanliness in our park facilities, restrooms will only be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This adjusted time frame will give our team more time to clean the restrooms based on our advanced disinfection/sterilization protocol in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
As a reminder, all park visitors need to practice social distancing (approximately six feet between you and others) and cannot gather in groups—including children, teenagers, and young adults. These measures are necessary to keep each other as safe as possible. The County will continue to monitor the parks to ensure compliance with state mandates and guidelines.
UPDATE: 3:30 PM, March 26, 2020
Guidance on Travel & Self-Quarantine
From Brunswick County
Older adults and domestic travelers with underlying health issues are encouraged to stay home, avoid crowded places, and non-essential travel.
Travelers returning to Brunswick County after domestic travel from areas with widespread community transmission, cruise ships, riverboats, or by air travel should stay home for 14 days after returning. Take the following steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing for 14 days after you leave the affected area:
Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever (temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher); watch for other symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath
Stay home and avoid contact with others; do not go to work or school during this 14-day period
Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares
Avoid crowded places and limit your activities in public
Stay six feet (about two arms lengths) away from others
NCDHHS’ guidance on travel asks individuals at higher risk to stay home, which means these individuals should not travel if it is not essential at this time. Even if individuals feel healthy and are not exhibiting symptoms, it is important that everyone follow these measures to better protect all our fellow residents, especially for those who have a high risk for severe illness, including those 65 years or older, those with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems.
UPDATE: 3:45 PM, March 25, 2020
Brunswick County Coronavirus Test Results & Updates
As of 10 AM, March 25, 2020
Novel Coronavirus Test Reports in Brunswick County
Number of Test Samples Reported to the County | 356 |
Pending Test Sample Results at the State Laboratory or Private Laboratories | 216 |
Positive Test Results Reported to the County | 10 |
Confirmed Negative Test Results Reported to the County | 130 |
Older adults and domestic travelers with underlying health issues are encouraged to stay home, avoid crowded places, and non-essential travel.
Travelers returning to Brunswick County after domestic travel from areas with widespread community transmission, cruise ships, riverboats, or by air travel should stay home for 14 days after returning. Take the following steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing for 14 days after you leave the affected area:
Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever (temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher); watch for other symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath
Stay home and avoid contact with others; do not go to work or school during this 14-day period
Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares
Avoid crowded places and limit your activities in public
Stay six feet (about two arms lengths) away from others
NCDHHS’ guidance on travel asks individuals at higher risk to stay home, which means these individuals should not travel if it is not essential at this time. Even if individuals feel healthy and are not exhibiting symptoms, it is important that everyone follow these measures to better protect all our fellow residents, especially for those who have a high risk for severe illness, including those 65 years or older, those with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems.
UPDATE: 10:40 AM, March 25, 2020
Golden LEAF Announces $15 M in Rapid Recovery Business Loans
The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000, with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan.
The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program is managed by the NC Rural Center, a statewide nonprofit that has been supporting small business owners for more than 30 years. The Rural Center will lead a broad coalition of nonprofit lending partners to directly assist small business owners. Participating Rapid Recovery organizations include Business Expansion Funding Corporation (BEFCOR), Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Mountain BizWorks, Natural Capital Investment Fund, and Thread Capital.
“The Golden LEAF Board of Directors is making funds available to help meet the immediate needs of businesses affected by the pandemic by building upon a model used following Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, and Dorian,” said Bo Biggs, Golden LEAF Board Chair. “This program is designed to assist businesses working to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Loan or other commercial loan but that have more immediate needs for capital.”
The federal government has made Economic Injury Loans available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) in all 100 North Carolina counties. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program will complement the SBA by providing a bridge until businesses can access funding from the SBA.
“The Golden LEAF Foundation recognizes the critical role small-business owners play in our state’s economy,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President, Chief Executive Officer of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “The LEAF in Golden LEAF stands for Long-term Economic Advancement Foundation. Golden LEAF cannot let this pandemic cause irreparable economic damage to our state’s small businesses.”
Read the full press release from Golden LEAF
Small-business owners affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) can learn more about the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program and apply for a loan at ncrapidrecovery.org. To speak with someone about this program or other resources available to small businesses, contact BLNC at (800) 228-8443.
UPDATE: 5:30 PM, March 24, 2020
Brunswick County Issues State of Emergency
From Brunswick County:
Brunswick County Board of Commissioners Chairman Frank Williams has issued a state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
A copy of the declaration is on Brunswick County's website.
The declaration covers unincorporated Brunswick County. Brunswick County Government offices remain open for normal business hours and public access to services is subject to reasonable restrictions as determined by the county manager with consultation of the health director to limit unnecessary in-person contacts.
It also restricts public access in accordance with Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 117 as further amended by Executive Order No. 120 restricting mass gatherings of 50 people or more and states that the County will follow any future amendments from the governor concerning mass gatherings.
It does not include restrictions or prohibitions involving evacuations, curfews, alcohol or weapons.
“The COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly throughout the nation and world, and I implore all Brunswick County residents to take it seriously,” Chairman Frank Williams said. “This is not a time to panic, but to finalize preparations and take appropriate precautions. As of today all known cases in Brunswick County are travel-related, and at this time there do not appear to be any cases of community spread in Brunswick County. Let’s do our part to keep it that way. This means practicing social distancing, adhering to the directives issued by our state officials and beach towns, and going the extra mile to protect ourselves and those around us. Even if you feel fine, you don’t want to be the one who shares this virus with someone who is more vulnerable. Let’s all exercise the personal responsibility and common sense to do our part to stop the spread of this virus and minimize the chance of community spread in Brunswick County.
“Additionally, given that all known COVID-19 cases in Brunswick County are travel-related, we strongly encourage residents to avoid non-essential travel outside the County and to refrain from inviting out-of-county guests to visit you. If you do travel and have prolonged exposure to others while traveling, we ask you to responsibly self-isolate for fourteen days upon return.”
If other measures become appropriate, this proclamation will be amended.
Brunswick County has prepared for the COVID-19 virus the past two months and has actively been working on response to the pandemic the past few weeks. The County opened a joint information center and initiated a partial activation of the emergency operations center Friday, March 13.
Brunswick County Government Offices remain open for business during normal business hours.
UPDATE: 11:40, March 24, 2020
Government Officials to Host Telephone Conference for Small Business Owners
State and federal officials are holding a Town Hall-style meeting via telephone at 6:00 PM tonight (March 24) for small business owners to share their needs and concerns and ask questions. The meeting will include US Rep. Mark Walker and representatives from the US Department of Labor, the NC Small Business Administration and the NC Small Business and Technology Center.
Read more about tonight's Telephone Town Hall for Small Business Owners
UPDATE: 6:10 PM, March 23, 2020
NC Governor Orders More Businesses to Close by Wednesday
Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order today that restricts gatherings of more than 50 and closes more businesses. The mass gathering restriction does not apply to office environments, child care centers, grocery stores, airports, or medical facilities.
Here is a list of businesses that must shut their doors by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25:
Hair salons and barber shops
Nail salons
Day spas
Gyms and fitness facilities (including yoga and martial arts studios and indoor trampoline and rock-climbing facilities)
Movie theaters
Skating rinks
Bowling alleys
Live music venues
Indoor/outdoor pools
Gaming establishments (including bingo parlors and arcades)
UPDATE: 1:30, March 23, 2020
Governor Extends School Closures
Gov. Roy Cooper has just announced that N.C. schools will remain closed until at least May 15. The Town will provide additional information and updates as they become available.
UPDATE: 10:50 AM, March 23, 2020
Canceled: Leland Planning Board Meeting
In an effort to protect against the continued spread of the coronavirus, the Leland Planning Board meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 PM has been canceled. The next scheduled meeting is 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28.
UPDATE: 11:40 PM, March 22, 2020
Changes to County & Town Operations
Brunswick County has reported its seventh positive case of coronavirus. With the recent gradual increase in cases in the County, the Cape Fear region, and the state, Town and County officials have announced the following precautions, effective immediately.
Town of Leland:
Leland Town Hall will remain open to staff during regular business hours but public entry has been restricted. All meetings between staff and residents or the general public will now be conducted by phone or video conference only. The document and payment drop-off/pick-up site set up in the vestibule of Town Hall will remain open. Residents are encouraged to make any payments to the Town via the Town’s website but checks (only) may be deposited in the payment box across from the main entrance to Town Hall. There will be no disconnections at this time for non-payment of public utilities bills. Late fees will still apply.
Town officials have prohibited all uneccessary work-related travel for staff.
The Leland Police Department asks residents to call 911 for all emergency and non-emergency situations in which law enforcement may be needed. For all other requests, please call (910) 371-1100. Leland patrol officers will continue to operate as normal and are available to respond to requests for service. The Police Department will temporarily suspend fingerprinting and public ride-alongs. The department’s medicine disposal box will not be available at this time, and all public records requests for police reports will be handled via phone at (910) 371-1100 or email at police@townofleland.com.
Permitting and building inspections will continue to be conducted. But, to the extent possible, inspections staff will visit sites when no other individuals are there, conduct inspections in unoccupied areas of buildings, and practice social distancing when conducting inspections when other individuals are onsite. Updates and more information are available on the Planning & Inspections page of the Town website. The Planning and Inspections Department encourages individuals to submit permit applications via email at inspections@townofleland.com or by fax at (910) 971-1158.
As of Monday, March 16, all Parks and Recreation programs and activities have been indefinitely postponed.
As of Monday, March 16, the Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC) is closed indefinitely to the public, and all LCAC events, classes and programs will be postponed indefinitely. Further information regarding cancellations, refunds and other related details will be available through the LCAC website.
Brunswick County:
County officials are urging individuals to call or email departments for assistance first before visiting county offices and appointments for in-person visits will be required. The County already offers a number of services online. If you are not sure who to contact, call the main phone line, (910) 253-2000 or (800) 442-7033, for assistance.View the full list of contact information for each department, information on virtual services and impacts from the coronavirus
UPDATE: 6:30 PM, March 21, 2020
Novant to Open Coronavirus Clinic
Novant Health announced today that it will open a dedicated screening center for COVID-19 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24. After Tuesday, the center, located at 13 Medical Campus Drive in Supply, will operate from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
Residents still should refrain from being tested unless they are exhibiting syptoms of coronavirus. Novant offers an online self-assessment tool for coronavirus, as well as a 24/7 helpline - 1-877-9NOVANT - for patients who may be experiencing symptoms of coronavirus and do not have a primary care doctor. A coronavirus testing site will also open in Southport at Dosher Urgent Care on Monday, March 23. Additional public health information and resources are able on Brunswick County's website.
UPDATE: 6:30 PM, March 21, 2020
Coronavirus Update from Brunswick County
There are 6 presumptive positive cases in Brunswick County. The County identified its fifth and sixth cases Saturday. Both new cases are travel-related but separate situations. Both cases were not symptomatic upon return and they are currently self-isolating at home.
The County has announced that some departments will require visitors to schedule an appointment to visit department offices beginning Monday, March 23.
The County continues to stresses the importance of social distancing - regardless of your age or how well you currently feel - to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Testing is available in Brunswick County. If you suspect you have coronavirus symptoms, contact your primary medical provider first to determine if your symptoms warrant a test and if they provide tests. Contact Public Health if you need assistance locating a provider to test.
UPDATE: 9:00 AM, March 20, 2020
Consumer Alert from the N.C. Attorney General
Attorney General Josh Stein is urging North Carolinians to be on the lookout for scammers taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic. He has released the infographic below to help consumers better understand these scams.
Download the N.C. Attorney General's infographic on scams
"At a time when we should be focusing on taking necessary health precautions and staying safe, some bad actors are focusing on taking people's hard-earned money," Attorney General Stein said. "I want North Carolinians to protect their health and their wallets."
If you believe you have been a victim of a scam or want to report an attempted scam, call the N.C. Attorney General's office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or visit nc.doj.gov/complaint.
UPDATE: 1 p.m., March 18, 2020
Changes to N.C. Unemployment Benefit Requirements
On Tuesday, N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper announced that the state would waive the typical unemployment benefit requirements have been waived for restaurant workers and all others who may be impacted by coronavirus-related layoffs. Here are the major changes:
Snapshot courtesy of WCNC in Charlotte, N.C.
UPDATE: 5 p.m., March 17, 2020
Town Takes Precautions Against Spread of COVID-19
In an effort to embrace social distancing best practices and follow the guidelines provided the Federal government, N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper and the CDC, the Town is enacting the following restrictions, effective immediately:
Leland Town Hall will modify its regular operations by restricting public entry. Staff will be available for assistance, but individuals are strongly encouraged against walk-ins. Any business that can be conducted via email, phone or fax should be done so. Individuals who need to come to Town Hall should call ahead to the direct line of the person with whom they need to speak and, if needed, may enter the Town Hall vestibule, where a phone and extension list to the Planning and Inspection, Utilities and Police departments will be provided. The vestibule will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Leland Police Department asks that residents continue to call 911 for all emergency and non-emergency situations in which law enforcement may be needed. For all other requests, please call (910) 371-1100. Leland patrol officers will continue to operate as normal and are available to respond to requests for service. The Police Department will temporarily suspend fingerprinting and public ride-alongs. The department’s medicine disposal box will not be available at this time, and all public records requests for police reports will be handled via phone at (910) 371-1100 or email at police@townofleland.com.
Residents are encouraged to make any payments to the Town via the Town’s website but checks (only) may be deposited in the payment box across from the main entrance to Town Hall.
Permitting and building inspections will continue to be conducted. Updates and more information is available on the Planning & Inspections page of the Town website. The Planning and Inspections Department encourages individuals to submit permit applications via email at inspections@townofleland.com or by fax at (910) 971-1158.
There will be no disconnections at this time for non-payment of public utilities bills. Late fees will still apply.
Leland Fire Stations are closed to the public. Burn permits are available online. For emergencies, call 911.
The Leland Town Council meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, in Council’s Chambers at Town Hall, will be held as scheduled. The meeting is open to the public; staff will monitor attendance and limit crowds through use of an overflow room, if needed. Residents are encouraged to watch a live stream of the meeting on YouTube instead of attending in person.
A public comment form is available on the Town website for residents who would like to speak at the upcoming Council meeting but prefer not to attend a public gathering. Additionally, an online form for comments related to several scheduled public hearings is available online. A synopsis of comments made online will be recorded in the meeting minutes.
The Leland Tourism Development Authority meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, will be held as scheduled at Town Hall. Staff will monitor attendance and provide an overflow room, if needed.
As of Monday, March 16, all Parks and Recreation programs and activities have been indefinitely postponed.
As of Monday, March 16, the Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC) is closed indefinitely to the public, and all LCAC events, classes and programs will be postponed indefinitely. Further information regarding cancellations, refunds and other related details will be forthcoming on the LCAC website.
UPDATE: 4 p.m., March 13, 2020
Coronavirus Updates from the Town
The Town is monitoring the spread of coronavirus and has issued a special newsletter that includes the latest updates from local and state officials, as well as closures, tips and other resources.
Read Coronavirus Updates from the Town of Leland
