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Documenting North Carolina's path to recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

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North Carolina coronavirus coverage
Debate in North Carolina
North Carolina government responses
School reopenings in North Carolina
State government responses
Multistate agreements • Non-governmental plans
Debate over responses to the coronavirus pandemic
Elections • Religious service restrictions • School closures • State lockdowns • Debates by state
Related coronavirus coverage
Changes to elections • Federal responses • State responses
Reopening plans by state


Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains a general timeline of noteworthy state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic since April 2020. It also includes details on three specific types of state responses to the pandemic:

Additionally, the article includes:


Response news updates

The following section provides a timeline of North Carolina's reopening activity beginning in April 2020. The entries, which come from our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter, are sorted by month in reverse chronological order. The date shown is the day that we wrote about them in the newsletter. They appear exactly as they appeared in the newsletter.

July 2021

  • July 22: On Wednesday, July 21, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) released updated guidance for school districts. The new guidance takes effect July 30, and says districts should require students in kindergarten through eighth grade to wear masks indoors. The guidance says only unvaccinated high school students should be required to wear masks indoors.
  • July 6: On Friday, July 2, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed Senate Bill 116. The legislation would have ended the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment programs, which are set to expire in September. The bill passed the Senate 26-22 and the House 66-44.

June 2021

  • June 30: On Tuesday, June 29, the North Carolina Council of State, which is composed of Republican and Democratic members of the executive branch, voted 6-4 to allow the statewide moratorium evictions to expire. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) federal eviction moratorium still applies to North Carolina tenants.
  • June 14: On June 11, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) issuedan executive order extending certain pandemic-related measures, including state eviction prohibitions and face-covering requirements in certain settings
  • June 11: On June 10, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced a vaccine incentive program that will run from June 23 to Aug. 4. Adults who receive a vaccination starting on June 10 will be entered into four drawings for a $1 million cash prize, and people between the ages of 12 and 17 will be entered into four drawings for a $125,000 scholarship prize towards the post-secondary education of their choice.

May 2021

  • May 17: On Friday, May 14, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) ended the statewide mask mandate for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Masks are still required for all people, regardless of vaccination status, on public transportation and in healthcare settings. Cooper also ended all business capacity restrictions, social distancing requirements, and gathering limits.

April 2021

  • April 30: On Thursday, April 29, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended an order allowing bars, restaurants, and hotels to serve to-go cocktails through June 1.
  • April 21: On Tuesday, April 20, Gov. Doug Burgum (R) announced a joint vaccine initiative with the government of the Canadian province of Manitoba to provide free vaccines to long-haul truckers traveling into North Dakota.
  • April 7: All residents 16 and older are eligible for vaccination starting April 7. Previously, all of Group 4 was eligible for vaccination.

March 2021

  • March 31:
    • The rest of Group 4 is eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine starting March 31. Group 4 includes a range of essential workers, some of whom were eligible March 17.
    • On Tuesday, March 30, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended a statewide eviction moratorium through June 30.
  • March 26:
    • Effective Friday, March 26, the limit on indoor gatherings will increase from 25 to 50 people, while the limit on outdoor gatherings will increase from 50 to 100 people. Retail stores, as well as museums and salons, will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity, while businesses like restaurants and gyms will be allowed to operate at 75% capacity indoors and 100% capacity outdoors. The new order will allow bars and movie theaters to operate at 50% capacity. Additionally, the order removes the alcohol curfew, which prohibits alcohol sales after 11 p.m. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) made the announcement Tuesday, March 23.
    • On Thursday, March 25, Cooper announced that the rest of Group 4 will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 31. Group 4 includes a range of essential workers, some of whom were eligible March 17. Cooper also announced that all North Carolina adults will be eligible April 7.
  • March 24:
    • On Tuesday, March 23, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced he would ease some restrictions on gatherings and businesses beginning Friday, April 26. The limit on indoor gatherings will increase from 25 to 50 people, while the limit on outdoor gatherings will increase from 50 to 100 people. Retail stores, as well as museums and salons, will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity, while businesses like restaurants and gyms will be allowed to operate at 75% capacity indoors and 100% capacity outdoors. The new order will also allow bars and movie theaters to operate at 50% capacity. Additionally, the order removes the alcohol curfew, which prohibits alcohol sales after 11 p.m.
    • Individuals in Group 4, which includes people at higher risk of COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions, are eligible to receive a vaccine starting March 24.
  • March 17: Some people in Group 4 areeligible for a coronavirus vaccine starting March 17. The list includes individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as those with asthma or heart disease.
  • March 12 : On Thursday, March 11, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that some people in Group 4 will become eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on March 17. Individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as those with asthma or heart disease, will be eligible on that day, while Cooper said eligibility will expand to more people in Group 4 on April 7.
  • March 10: On Wednesday, March 10, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced an agreement with House and Senate Republicans and Democrats that would return all elementary schools to in-person instruction, while middle and high schools will be permitted to choose between a hybrid approach and in-person instruction on a district-by-district basis. Under the law, parents can choose to keep their kids at home. The plan will go into effect 21 days after Cooper signs the bill.
  • March 3: On Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 will become eligible for the vaccine March 3. That group includes people working in the energy and hazardous materials sectors, and in food and agriculture. Group 4, which includes people at higher risk of COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions, will become eligible to receive the vaccine on March 24.
  • March 2: On Monday, March 1, the North Carolina State Senate failed to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) veto of SB 37, a bill that would have required schools to provide daily in-person instruction. The final vote was 29-20, one vote short of the three-fifths majority necessary to override a gubernatorial veto. One Democrat joined with Republicans in voting to override the veto. The Senate passed the bill 31-16 on Feb. 16. Cooper vetoed it on Feb. 26.
  • March 1: On Friday, Feb. 26, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed a bill that would have required schools to provide daily in-person instruction. The state House of Representatives passed the bill 77-42 on Feb. 22, while the state Senate passed the bill 31-16 on Feb. 16. To override Cooper’s veto, the bill will need the support of three-fifths of the members in both chambers of the legislature.

February 2021

  • February 26: On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that beginning Feb. 26 at 5 p.m., the Modified Stay at Home Order that imposed a curfew on individuals and businesses between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. will expire. Additionally, the indoor gathering limit will increase from 10 people to 25, while businesses will be allowed to sell alcohol for onsite consumption until 11 p.m. Certain businesses, such as bars and movie theaters, will be limited to 30% capacity or 250 people. Businesses like restaurants, breweries, museums, and salons will be limited to 50% capacity.
  • February 24: On Wednesday, Feb. 24, teachers and staff, including bus drivers and custodial staff, can register to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
  • February 22: Teachers and staff became eligible to register to receive a coronavirus vaccine Feb. 22, with vaccinations beginning Wednesday, Feb. 24.
  • February 19: On Wednesday, Feb. 17, the North Carolina state House of Representatives passed a bill 77-42 that would require schools to provide daily in-person instruction. The Senate passed the bill 47-31 on Feb. 16. It now goes to Gov. Roy Cooper (D). If Cooper takes no action on the measure before Feb. 28, it automatically becomes law.
  • February 11: On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that teachers, school staff, and childcare workers will become eligible for coronavirus vaccines on Feb. 24.
  • February 10: On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the state Senate voted 29-15 to advance a bill that would require school districts to provide the option of in-person instruction for all students. Families would be able to choose remote instruction. Republicans hold a 28-22 advantage in the Senate. No Republicans opposed the bill, and one Democrat voted in favor of it. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

January 2021

  • January 28: On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended the modified stay-at-home order, which includes a curfew on nonessential businesses between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., through Feb. 28.
  • January 14: On Thursday, Jan. 14, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said that people 65 and older would soon be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Cooper said more information would be forthcoming but did not give a time for when the new policy would take effect.
  • January 7: On Wednesday, Jan. 6, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended the statewide curfew requiring people to stay at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Jan. 29.
  • January 6: On Tuesday, Jan. 5, Cooper announced he was activating about 50 National Guard members to assist in the vaccine rollout. Some of the members will be involved in logistics planning, while others will assist with physical vaccinations.

December 2020

  • December 22: On Monday, Dec. 21, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) signed an order allowing restaurants, bars, and hotels to sell and deliver mixed alcoholic drinks. Alcohol sales are banned on-site at those establishments after 9 p.m.
  • December 9: On Tuesday, Dec. 8, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced new coronavirus restrictions, which he called a “Modified Stay at Home Order,” would go into effect Friday, Dec. 11. The order requires most businesses, such as gyms, restaurants, and retail stores, to close nightly at 10 p.m. The order also prohibits the sale of alcohol after 9 p.m. It also imposes a curfew between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 p.m., during which people are required to stay at home.

November 2020

  • November 24: On Monday, Nov. 23, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) issued an executive order strengthening the statewide mask mandate. The new order requires people at restaurants to wear a mask unless they are actively eating or drinking and also requires people to wear a mask while exercising.
  • November 18: On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Dr. Mandy Cohen unveiled a new county alert system that tracks the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
  • November 17: The state’s limit on indoor gatherings was reduced from 25 to 10 people on Nov. 13.

October 2020

  • October 22: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) extended Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan through at least Nov. 13.
  • October 2: On Sept. 30, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced the state would advance to Phase 3 of reopening on Oct. 2. Phase 3 eases several restrictions on businesses, including allowing bars to provide outdoor service at 30% capacity or 100 guests, whichever is less. Movie theaters can also reopen at 30% capacity or 100 guests. Large outdoor venues will be permitted to operate at 7% capacity. Some restrictions, such as mandatory face coverings in public, will remain in effect.

September 2020

  • September 23: On Sept. 23, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that stadiums and outdoor event venues can resume operation at 7% capacity on Oct. 2.
  • September 22: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that beginning Oct. 2, large outdoor venues with a capacity of more than 10,000 may reopen at 7% capacity. The change only applies to venues with seats and not large open areas.
  • September 17: On Sept. 17, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that elementary school and charter school students can return to classrooms at full capacity beginning Oct. 5. Students, teachers, and staff will be required to wear face coverings, and schools will need to enforce social distancing and screen for symptoms.
  • September 4: Effective Sept. 4 at 5 p.m., the state will enter Phase 2.5 of reopening, which Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced on Sept. 1. Under Phase 2.5, the limit on gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Museums and aquariums can reopen at 50% capacity. Gyms and indoor exercise facilities can reopen at 30% capacity. Several restrictions, like the ban on bars and movie theaters, will remain in effect.
  • September 1: On Sept. 1, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced he would ease some coronavirus restrictions as part of a new phase of reopening, dubbed Phase 2.5, which goes into effect on Sept. 4. Under Phase 2.5, the limit on gatherings will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Museums and aquariums can reopen at 50% capacity. Gyms and indoor exercise facilities can reopen at 30% capacity. Several restrictions, like the ban on bars and movie theaters, will remain in effect.

August 2020

  • August 31: On Aug. 31, a representative for Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said the governor was expected to make an announcement about reopening some businesses and lifting restrictions on Sept. 1.
  • August 17: Schools in the state were allowed to reopen beginning Aug. 17. Based on state guidelines, most K-12 districts will begin the year with at least some online learning.
  • August 6: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced on Aug. 5 that the state would stay in Phase 2 of reopening for five more weeks.

July 2020

  • July 29: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) issued an executive order on July 28 that prohibits restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries from serving alcohol between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The order goes into effect on July 31 at 11:00 p.m.
  • July 16: On July 14, the North Carolina Supreme Court granted Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) temporary request to suspend Senior Business Court Judge James Gale’s ruling that allowed bowling alleys across the state to reopen despite an executive order keeping them closed. Cooper closed bowling alleys, along with many other businesses and industries, in March. As part of the state’s reopening plan, some businesses have been allowed to reopen, including barbershops and restaurants. An association of bowling alleys filed the lawsuit against Cooper.
  • July 14: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced on July 14 that the state would remain in Phase Two of reopening until Aug. 7. Previously, the state had been scheduled to enter Phase Three on July 17. Cooper also released the state’s school reopening plan, which emphasizes a combination of in-person instruction and distance learning.
  • July 9: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said on July 9 that he would announce new details on the state’s reopening plan next week. North Carolina is in Phase 2 of reopening. Cooper also said he would make an announcement about reopening schools in the fall.
  • July 7: A judge on the North Carolina Business Court ruled on July 7 that bowling alleys can reopen immediately. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) had closed them in March. Cooper filed for a stay until the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court can hear the case.

June 2020

  • June 22: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed House Bill 594 on June 19. The bill would have allowed gyms and fitness centers to reopen immediately—in advance of Cooper’s reopening plan. Bars would also have been able to open outdoor service spaces at 50% of the venue's indoor capacity. Cooper said, “Tying the hands of public health officials in times of pandemic is dangerous, especially when case counts and hospitalizations are rising. State and local officials must be able to take swift action during the COVID-19 emergency to prevent a surge of patients from overwhelming hospitals and endangering the lives of North Carolinians. The bill could restrict leaders who need to respond quickly to outbreaks and protect public health and safety.”
    • This is the second time Cooper has vetoed legislation seeking to lift restrictions ahead of his reopening plan. On June 5, Cooper vetoed House Bill 536, which would have allowed certain establishments to offer outdoor dining and beverage service.
    • A third bill, Senate Bill 599, won legislative approval on June 18. It would allow skating rinks and bowling alleys to reopen at 50% capacity immediately, and before they would have reopened under Cooper's plan. SB599 was sent to Cooper for consideration on June 22.
  • June 19: On June 18, the North Carolina General Assembly passed Senate Bill 599. SB599 would allow skating rinks and bowling alleys to reopen at 50% capacity immediately, and before they would have reopened under Gov. Roy Cooper's (D) plan. The bill would also allow temporary outdoor seating at bars and restaurants at 50% capacity of current indoor seating or up to 100 customers (whichever is less). Currently, restaurants can have no more than 50% capacity indoors. Bars are closed. The bill allows Cooper to re-close those businesses if the number of coronavirus cases increases.
    • SB599 passed in the North Carolina House of Representatives 68-52 on June 16, with 65 Republicans and three Democrats voting to approve, and 52 Democrats voting against it. The state Senate passed a motion to concur on June 18 32-15, with 26 Republicans and six Democrats voting to approve and 15 Democrats voting against. The bill will be sent to Cooper for consideration.
    • This is the third bill the North Carolina General Assembly has passed seeking to lift restrictions ahead of Cooper’s reopening plan. On June 5, Cooper vetoed House Bill 536, which would have allowed bars and restaurants to temporarily expand service to outdoor spaces. On June 11, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 594 69-50. Sixty-five Republicans and four Democrats voted in favor, and 50 Democrats voted against. HB594 would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen at 50% capacity. Bars would be able to open outdoor service spaces at 50% of the venue's indoor capacity ahead of Phase 3 of Cooper’s reopening plan, which is expected to begin June 26. The bill would take effect immediately and was sent to Cooper for consideration. As of June 19, Cooper has not signed or vetoed that bill. North Carolina is among seven states where a three-fifths vote of both chambers is required to override a gubernatorial veto. Republicans control 29 of the 30 seats required to override a veto in the state Senate and 65 of the 72 seats required in the state House.
  • June 16: On June 15, Gov Roy Cooper (D) said he would announce whether more businesses would be allowed to open under his reopening plan early next week. The state is currently in Phase 2, which is expected to continue through June 26. Bars, movie theaters, and gyms remain closed but are expected to reopen when the state moves into Phase 3.
  • June 15: North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein sent a letter to gyms clarifying Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) current executive order, which will allow some gyms to reopen ahead of Cooper’s reopening plan. Stein said that the use of indoor gyms and facilities is allowed when prescribed or directed by a medical professional. Under Cooper’s reopening plan, gyms may not open until Phase Three, which could begin on June 26.
  • June 11: The North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 594 69-50. 65 Republicans and four Democrats voted in favor, and 50 Democrats voted against it. The bill already passed the state Senate and will be sent to Gov. Roy Cooper (D) for consideration. If signed, the bill would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen at 50% capacity. Bars would also be able to open outdoor service spaces at 50% of the venue's indoor capacity ahead of Phase 3 of Cooper’s reopening plan, which is expected to begin June 26. The bill would take effect immediately. Under a revised version of the bill, Cooper would be able to re-close those businesses if the number of coronavirus cases increases if the Council of State agrees. Cooper vetoed a similar bill, House Bill 536, which would have allowed bars and restaurants to temporarily expand service to outdoor spaces. Cooper said the measure would have limited officials' ability to close establishments should there be another surge in the pandemic.
  • June 10: On June 9, the North Carolina state Senate voted in favor of House Bill 594. 29 Republicans and seven Democrats voted to approve the bill, and 13 Democrats voted against it. House Bill 594 will be sent back to the state House for consideration. If passed, the bill would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen at 50% capacity and bars to open outdoor service spaces at 50% of the venue's indoor capacity ahead of Phase 3 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) reopening plan, which is expected to begin June 26. Under a revised version of the bill, Cooper would be able to re-close those businesses if the number of coronavirus cases should increase if he has agreement from the Council of State. Cooper vetoed a similar bill, House Bill 536, which would have allowed bars and restaurants to temporarily expand service to outdoor spaces, explaining that the bill would have limited officials' ability to close establishments should there be another surge in the pandemic.
  • June 9: The state released guidance for reopening schools to in-person instruction. The guidance includes more frequent cleanings, a temperature check for all individuals entering buildings or buses, and physical distancing guidelines. On June 8, the North Carolina state Senate was expected to vote on House Bill 594, which would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen. However, the vote was delayed until June 9, so that Senate leaders could add language that would allow bars to reopen in outdoor spaces and allow restaurants to temporarily move dining outside, despite Cooper’s veto. If passed, the bill would be sent to the state House. North Carolina is one of seven states where a three-fifths vote of both chambers is required to override a gubernatorial veto. Republicans control 29 of the 30 seats required to override a veto in the state Senate and 65 of the 72 seats required in the state House.
  • June 8: On June 5, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed House Bill 536, which would have allowed certain restaurants to offer outdoor dining and beverage service. Cooper released the following statement about the veto, “State and local government leaders must be able to act quickly during the COVID-19 emergency to prevent a surge in cases that could overwhelm hospitals and harm the public. House Bill 536 would limit the ability of leaders to respond quickly to COVID-19 and hamper the health and safety of every North Carolinian.” On June 8, the North Carolina State Senate is expected to vote on House Bill 594, which would allow gyms, health clubs, and fitness centers to reopen. If passed, the bill would be sent to the state House. North Carolina is among seven states where a three-fifths vote of both chambers is required in order to override a gubernatorial veto. Republicans control 29 of the 30 seats required to override a veto in the state Senate and 65 of the 72 seats required in the state House.
  • June 3: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said on June 2 that North Carolina was not yet ready to move into Phase 3 of the reopening plan, based on recent health and hospital data. Phase 2 will run through at least June 26 unless changed or canceled by state officials.

May 2020

  • May 28: A bill that would allow bars to reopen at 50 percent capacity, outdoors only, passed the Senate. The House has not voted on the bill. Bars are not permitted to reopen until Phase 3 of North Carolina’s reopening plan, scheduled to begin on June 26.
  • May 27: A bill that would permit bars to serve beverages outside, on a patio, or under a tent, cleared a Senate committee on May 26. Bars are not scheduled to reopen until Phase 3 of North Carolina’s reopening plan, scheduled to begin on June 26. The state entered Phase 2 on May 22. The bill moves to another committee before the full House and Senate may consider it. The House and Senate have Republican majorities, while the governorship is held by Roy Cooper, a Democrat.
  • May 22: Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) stay-at-home order expired at 5:00 p.m. on May 22. Replacing it is a safer-at-home order that will remain in effect through at least June 26. The following businesses and activities are permitted: retail (50 percent capacity), in-restaurant dining (50 percent capacity), personal services such as salons and barbershops (50 percent capacity), indoor and outdoor pools (50 percent capacity), child care facilities, and day and overnight camps. Under the new order, limits on gatherings are increased to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
  • May 20: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) was expected to make an announcement at a press conference on May 20 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time about Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.
  • May 18: At a news conference on May 18, Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said that an announcement on whether or not the state could move into Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan could come mid-week.


Vaccine distribution

This section contains a table of quick facts on the state’s vaccine distribution plan and a timeline of noteworthy events, including updates on vaccine availability for new groups of individuals, changes to state distribution plans, and much more. If you know of a noteworthy story we are missing, please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a distribution plan on October 16, 2020.

Quick facts

North Carolina state vaccination plan quick information
What governing entities are responsible for vaccine allocation and distribution?[1] NC DHHS Vaccine Planning Team
Where can I find a quick breakdown of phases in my state? COVID-19 vaccinations
Where can I find the distribution plan? North Carolina Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Executive Summary
When was the plan first released to the public? October 16, 2020
When was the plan most recently updated? October 16, 2020
Where can I find answers to frequently asked questions? Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find data related to the coronavirus in my state?

COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard

Where is the state health department's homepage? North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Where can I find additional information about the state's vaccine distribution? The COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan in North Carolina - AARP

Timeline

  • June 10, 2021: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced a vaccine incentive program to run from June 23 to Aug. 4. Cooper said adults who received at least one dose of a vaccine would be entered into four drawings for a $1 million cash prize, and people between the ages of 12 and 17 would be entered into four drawings for a $125,000 scholarship prize towards the post-secondary education of their choice.[2]
  • April 7, 2021: North Carolina residents 16 and older became eligible for vaccination. Previously, all of Group 4 was eligible for vaccination.[3]
  • March 31, 2021: In North Carolina, Group 4 became eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Group 4 included a range of essential workers, some of whom were eligible March 17.[4]
  • March 25, 2021: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that the rest of Group 4 will become eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine on March 31. Group 4 includes a range of essential workers, some of whom were eligible March 17. Cooper also announced that all North Carolina adults will be eligible April 7.[5]
  • March 24, 2021: North Carolina residents in Group 4, which included people at higher risk of COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions, became eligible to receive a vaccine.[6]
  • March 17, 2021: In North Carolina, some people in Group 4 became eligible for coronavirus vaccines. The list included individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as those with asthma or heart disease.[7]
  • March 11, 2021: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that some people in Group 4 would become eligible for a coronavirus vaccine on March 17. Individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as those with asthma or heart disease, were also scheduled to be eligible on that day. Cooper said eligibility would expand to more people in Group 4 on April 7.[8]
  • March 2, 2021: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that additional frontline essential workers in Group 3 would become eligible for the vaccine March 3. That group was scheduled to include people working in the energy and hazardous materials sectors, and in food and agriculture. Group 4, including people at higher risk of COVID-19 because of underlying health conditions, were scheduled to become eligible to receive the vaccine on March 24.[9]
  • February 24, 2021: In North Carolina, teachers and staff, including bus drivers and custodial staff, became eligible to register to receive a coronavirus vaccine.[10]
  • February 22, 2021: In North Carolina, teachers and school staff became eligible to register to receive a coronavirus vaccine.[11]
  • February 10, 2021: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that teachers, school staff, and childcare workers would become eligible for coronavirus vaccines starting Feb. 24.[12]
  • January 5, 2021: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced he was activating about 50 National Guard members to assist in the vaccine rollout, including in logistics planning and physical vaccinations.[13]
  • December 30, 2020: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced he would adjust the first phase of the state’s vaccine distribution plan to include adults 75 and older and healthcare and essential workers 50 years and older. Previously, the beginning phase of the plan included only healthcare workers directly interacting with COVID-19 patients and residents and staff at long-term care facilities.[14]

School reopenings and closures

See also: School responses in North Carolina to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Schools in North Carolina were closed to in-person instruction on March 14, 2020, and remained closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. The state allowed schools to start reopening on August 17, 2020. The timeline below lists statewide responses we tracked.

  • June 29, 2021: At the end of the school year, Burbio reported most schools were in-person in North Carolina.[15][16]
  • March 1, 2021: The North Carolina State Senate failed to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) veto of SB 37, a bill that would have required schools to provide daily in-person instruction. The final vote was 29-20, one vote short of the three-fifths majority necessary to override a gubernatorial veto. One Democrat joined with Republicans in voting to override the veto. The Senate passed the bill 31-16 on Feb. 16. Cooper vetoed it on Feb. 26.[17]
  • February 26, 2021: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) vetoed a bill that would have required schools to provide daily in-person instruction. The state House of Representatives passed the bill 77-42 on Feb. 22, while the state Senate passed the bill 31-16 on Feb. 16. To override Cooper’s veto, the bill would need the support of three-fifths of the members in both chambers of the legislature.[17]
  • February 11, 2021:[18]
    • The North Carolina House of Representatives voted 77-44 on Feb. 11 to advance a bill requiring school districts to provide the option of in-person instruction for all students. Families would be able to choose remote instruction. All Republicans and five Democrats in the chamber supported the bill.
    • The state Senate passed a similar bill 29-15 on Feb. 9, but the chamber refrained from holding a final vote on the state House’s version of the bill. The state House bill contained modifications distinguishing it from the state Senate bill, including a provision allowing special accommodations for educators who had conditions that increased their risk of severe illness from COVID-19. No Republicans opposed the state Senate bill, and two Democrats voted in favor of it.
  • February 2, 2021: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced new school guidance and encouraged public K-12 schools to reopen for full-time in-person instruction. The guidance instructed elementary schools to reopen under Plan A, which did not require social distancing. Middle and high schools were slated to reopen under Plan B, which did require social distancing. Cooper said he wanted to leave the final reopening decisions to school districts. The state still required districts to provide a remote learning option for families that chose to opt in.[19]
  • September 17, 2020: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) announced that elementary school and charter school students could return to classrooms at full capacity beginning Oct. 5. Students, teachers, and staff were required to wear face coverings, and schools needed to enforce social distancing and screen for symptoms.[20]
  • Sept. 10, 2020: At the beginning of the school year, Burbio reported most schools were using virtual or hybrid learning in North Carolina .[21][22]
  • August 17, 2020: Schools in North Carolina were allowed to reopen. Based on state guidelines, most K-12 districts would begin the year with at least some online learning.[23]
  • July 14, 2020: Cooper released the state’s school reopening plan, which emphasized a combination of in-person instruction and distance learning.[24]
  • June 8, 2020: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released guidance for reopening schools to in-person instruction. The guidance included more frequent cleanings, a temperature check for all individuals entering buildings or buses, and physical distancing guidelines.[25]


  • April 24, 2020: Cooper announced that schools would not reopen for in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic year. Prior to the announcement, schools were closed through May 15.[26]
  • March 23, 2020: Cooper announced that the statewide school closure, scheduled to end March 30, was extended to May 15.[27]
  • March 14, 2020: Cooper announced the closure of all public schools in the state for at least two weeks.[28]

Statewide travel restrictions

See also: Travel restrictions issued by states in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021


As of September 7, 2021, North Carolina had not issued any travel restrictions.

More information can be found at Visit North Carolina.


Statewide mask requirements

See also: State-level mask requirements in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020


Noteworthy lawsuits

See also: Lawsuits about state actions and policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

Berean Baptist Church v. Cooper: On May 16, 2020, Judge James Dever, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, issued a temporary restraining order against a provision of Gov. Roy Cooper's (D) Executive Order 138 that barred indoor religious services involving more than 10 people. The plaintiffs in the suit – Berean Baptist Church, Return America, Inc., Ronnie Baity, and People's Baptist Church, Inc., – alleged that this provision of the order violated their First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion. Dever agreed, writing the following in his order: "There is no pandemic exception to the Constitution of the United States or the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Plaintiffs have demonstrated that they are likely to succeed on the merits of their Free Exercise claim concerning the assembly for religious worship provisions in Executive Order 138, that they will suffer irreparable harm absent a temporary restraining order, that the equities tip in their favor, and that a temporary restraining order is in the public interest."[29]

Ford Porter, a spokesman for Cooper's office, said the governor would not appeal the decision.[30]

Forest v. Cooper: On July 1, 2020, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest (R) filed suit against Gov. Roy Cooper (D) in Wake County’s Tenth Judicial District Court, alleging procedural violations in Cooper's implementation of COVID-19 restrictions. In his complaint, Forest sought an injunction against enforcement of Cooper's executive orders 118, 121, 135, 138, 141, and 147 (collectively referred to as the shutdown orders). These orders limited food and beverage service at restaurants, mandated social distancing, limited mass gatherings, restricted travel, closed certain businesses, and provided for business reopening plans. Forest alleged that Cooper violated the North Carolina Emergency Management Act by failing "to receive the concurrence of the council of state prior to the shutdown being issued." The council of state is the collective name for the elected senior executive offices in the state, including the lieutenant governor. Forest argued that Cooper's orders violated provisions of North Carolina’s quarantine and isolation statutes. In a press release, Forest said his intention was not to challenge the substance of the orders, but instead the nature of their issuance. As of July 7, 2020, Cooper had not responded publicly to the lawsuit.[31][32]

Neve v. Birkhead: On April 16, 2021, a former deputy of the Durham County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Department sued Sheriff Clarence Birkhead, alleging that Birkhead had wrongly terminated him for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. The former deputy, Christopher Neve, filed his complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, seeking a declaration that the department's mandatory vaccine requirement was unconstitutional, back pay, and reinstatement to his former position. Neve argued that Birkhead had denied "each employee’s statutorily guaranteed right to decide for him or herself whether to accept or refuse administration of the COVID-19 vaccines," a violation of due process. In a statement to the press, AnnMarie Breen, a representative for the Durham County Sheriff's Office, declined to comment on the pending litigation. The case was assigned to Judge Loretta Copeland Biggs, an appointee of President Barack Obama (D).[33]

Officials and candidates diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus

See also: Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021

The table below lists officials or candidates who have been diagnosed with or quarantined due to coronavirus. The most recent announcements appear first.

Name Office Date Status
Thom Tillis (North Carolina) U.S. Senate North Carolina October 2, 2020 Tillis announced on Twitter that he had tested positive for COVID-19.[34]
Mark Meadows (North Carolina) White House Chief of Staff November 4, 2020 Meadows announced to advisors that he had tested positive for coronavirus.[35]
Virginia Foxx U.S. House North Carolina District 5 November 23, 2020 On November 23, 2020, Foxx announced that she had tested positive for coronavirus.[36]
David Price U.S. House North Carolina District 4 March 19, 2020 Price announced a voluntary self-quarantine after being in contact with a congressman who tested positive for coronavirus.[37]
Annette Scippio Winston-Salem City Council East Ward March 18, 2020 Scippio announced a two-week self-quarantine for coronavirus.[38]
Robert C. Clark Winston-Salem City Council West Ward March 18, 2020 Clark announced a two-week self-quarantine for coronavirus.[39]
John Larson (North Carolina) Winston-Salem City Council South Ward March 18, 2020 Larson announced a two-week self-quarantine for coronavirus.[40]
Jeff MacIntosh Winston-Salem City Council Northwest Ward March 18, 2020 MacIntosh announced a two-week self-quarantine for coronavirus.[41]
Denise Adams Winston-Salem City Council North Ward March 18, 2020 Adams announced a two-week self-quarantine for coronavirus.[42]
Dan Besse Winston-Salem City Council Southwest Ward March 18, 2020 Besse announced a two-week self-quarantine for coronavirus.[43]
Danny Earl Britt North Carolina State Senate District 13 July 10, 2020 Britt announced on Twitter that he tested positive for coronavirus.[44]
Michael V. Lee (North Carolina State Senate) North Carolina State Senate District 9 January 28, 2021 Lee announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.[45]
Brian Turner (North Carolina) North Carolina House of Representatives District 116 January 18, 2021 Turner announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.[46]
William Rabon North Carolina State Senate District 8 January 18, 2021 Rabon announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.[47]
Natasha Marcus North Carolina State Senate District 41 February 3, 2021 Marcus announced that she had tested positive for coronavirus.[48]
Ted Budd U.S. House North Carolina District 13 December 1, 2020 Budd announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus.[49]
Dale Folwell North Carolina Treasurer April 2, 2020 Folwell tested positive for COVID-19.[50]

Status of industries, May 15 through July 31

Between May 15 and July 31, we conducted detailed tracking of industries and activities in each state daily.

  • "Yes" means an activity was allowed or an industry was permitted to open. "No" means an activity was not allowed or an industry was not permitted to reopen.
  • Some rules were applied regionally rather than statewide. Each cell shows the loosest restriction in place at the time, or the broadest level of an activity permitted in the state, even if that activity was only permitted regionally. Where applicable, we indicated that an activity was only permitted regionally, and provided details in a cell note. For example, if gyms were permitted to open in half of a state, the spreadsheet would say "Yes (regionally)," and differences between the regions would be explained in a note.
  • A lack of detail in a note or parentheses does not necessarily mean that an activity or industry was "back to normal." We did our best to capture caveats, exceptions, and modifications to activities. We acknowledge, though, that states put forth a large number of requirements for many industries and activities.


Paths to recovery by state

To read about other states’ responses and recoveries, click one of the links below:

Other state government responses

To view previous coverage areas, including changes to 2020 election dates and policies, initial stay-at-home orders, coronavirus-related legislation, and much more, click a state in the map below.

https://ballotpedia.org/Government_responses_to_and_political_effects_of_the_coronavirus_pandemic,_2020_(STATE)

General resources

The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Found on page 14 of the state's vaccine distribution plan.
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC610
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC47
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC331
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC325
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC324
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC317
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC311
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC32
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC224
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC222
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC210
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC15
  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC1230
  15. ↑ Burbio rated North Carolina's in-person index at 98.3. To read more about Burbio's school opening tracker, click here. To read more about Burbio's methodology, click here.
  16. ↑ Burbio, "Burbio's K-12 School Opening Tracker," accessed Oct. 8, 2021
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC31
  18. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC211
  19. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NC22
  20. ↑ Governor of North Carolina, "Public Schools Now Able to Implement Plan A for Elementary Schools," September 17, 2020
  21. ↑ Burbio rated North Carolina's in-person index between 0-20. To read more about Burbio's school opening tracker, click here. To read more about Burbio's methodology, click here.
  22. ↑ Burbio, "Burbio's K-12 School Opening Tracker," accessed Oct. 8, 2021
  23. ↑ The Charlotte Observer, "Portal access troubles mark 1st day of N.C. public schools," August 17, 2020
  24. ↑ The News & Observer, "NC governor extends Phase Two of reopening plan amid ‘troubling’ coronavirus trends," July 14, 2020
  25. ↑ The News & Observer, "Gov. Cooper issues health guidelines for NC schools, says it won’t be a ‘reckless decision,’" June 8, 2020
  26. ↑ The News & Observer, "Gov. Cooper expected to extend NC school closures. How to watch his press conference," April 24, 2020
  27. ↑ The News & Observer, " All NC public school buildings will be closed until May 15 because of coronavirus," March 23, 2020
  28. ↑ U.S. News & World Report, "North Carolina Governor Orders Schools Closed for 2 Weeks," March 14, 2020
  29. ↑ United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, "Berean Baptist Church v. Cooper: Order," May 16, 2020
  30. ↑ Fox Business, "North Carolina religious services may move indoors after judge block's governor's order," May 18, 2020
  31. ↑ Wake County’s Tenth Judicial District Court, "Forest v. Cooper: Complaint and Motion for Temporary and Permanent Injunction; Request for Exceptional Case Designation Recommendation," July 1, 2020
  32. ↑ Office of the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, "Lt. Governor Forest's Statement on Filing Suit Against Gov. Roy Cooper's Continued Unlawful Executive Orders," June 30, 2020
  33. ↑ https://wwwcache.wral.com/asset/news/local/2021/05/27/19698993/DCSO_vaccination_lawsuit-DMID1-5qzz6b8xc.pdf United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, "Neve v. Birkhead: Verified Complaint," April 16, 2021
  34. ↑ WXII12, "North Carolina Sen. Tillis tests positive for coronavirus," October 2, 2020
  35. ↑ New York Times, "Six in White House, Including Trump’s Chief of Staff, Have the Coronavirus," November 6, 2020
  36. ↑ Associated Press, "Foxx, Budd return to Washington after positive COVID tests," December 7, 2020
  37. ↑ The News and Observer, "Rep. Price to self-quarantine after contact with lawmaker who has coronavirus, March 19, 2020
  38. ↑ WXII, "Winston-Salem City Council members in self-isolation due to potential COVID-19 exposure," March 18, 2020
  39. ↑ WXII, "Winston-Salem City Council members in self-isolation due to potential COVID-19 exposure," March 18, 2020
  40. ↑ WXII, "Winston-Salem City Council members in self-isolation due to potential COVID-19 exposure," March 18, 2020
  41. ↑ WXII, "Winston-Salem City Council members in self-isolation due to potential COVID-19 exposure," March 18, 2020
  42. ↑ WXII, "Winston-Salem City Council members in self-isolation due to potential COVID-19 exposure," March 18, 2020
  43. ↑ WXII, "Winston-Salem City Council members in self-isolation due to potential COVID-19 exposure," March 18, 2020
  44. ↑ WRAL, "NC lawmaker tests positive for coronavirus," July 10, 2020
  45. ↑ Way3, "North Carolina Sen. Michael Lee tests positive for COVID-19," January 29, 2021
  46. ↑ News & Observer, "North Carolina state legislator will isolate after testing positive for COVID-19," January 18, 2021
  47. ↑ WRAL, "2 NC lawmakers test positive for coronavirus after legislative session, duck hunt," January 19, 2021
  48. ↑ U.S. News and World Report, "State Sen. Natasha Marcus Tests Positive for the Coronavirus," February 4, 2021
  49. ↑ Elon News Network, "Rep. Ted Budd tests positive for COVID-19," December 1, 2020
  50. ↑ The News & Observer, "North Carolina State Treasurer tests positive for coronavirus after traveling," March 25, 2020
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