Governor Roy Cooper's Executive Order, announced Tuesday, requires all bars and restaurants in North Carolina to suspend dine-in services.
Officials hope that if they can slow the spread of the coronavirus, fewer people will get sick at the same time. And that, they hope, will prevent the medical system from becoming overwhelmed.
Governor Roy Cooper says many bars and restaurants have already closed voluntarily. And while he acknowledges that this is an unprecedented move, the Order comes with relief for workers and employers.
"First, it removes the one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment benefits for those workers who lose their jobs. Second, it removes the requirement that a person must look for another job during this time... Third, it allows employees who lose their jobs or who, in certain cases have their hours reduced, due to COVID-19 issues, to apply for unemployment benefits."
Cooper says the Executive Order also allows workers to apply for unemployment remotely – either online or by phone.
Finally, employers will not be held responsible for benefits paid due to COVID-19.
