General Reopening Information
Phase 3 FAQ
- Executive Order 181 extends current restrictions, effective Dec. 11 until at least 5 p.m. Jan. 8.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) has updated guidance discontinuing the recommendation to require a negative test to return to work.
Updated Return to Work Testing Guidance
Cabarrus Health Alliance - Business Guidance Update Video
It is important to note:
- If infections spike or benchmark trends begin to move in the wrong direction, the state may move to a previous phase to protect public health.
- The best science and data available will be used to make all decisions and continue consultation with business and industry leaders.
3 S’s: Screening, Signage and Sanitation
"Core Signage, Screening, and Sanitation Requirements" are the following actions which establishments open to the public under the terms of this Executive Order must follow, namely:
- Post the Emergency Maximum Occupancy in a noticeable place. (Click for Sample Signage)
- Post signage reminding attendees, customers, and workers about social distancing (staying at least six (6) feet way from others) and requesting that people who have been symptomatic with fever and/or cough not enter. (Click for Sample Signage)
- Conduct daily symptom screening of workers, using a standard interview questionnaire of symptoms, before workers enter the workplace. (Sample Screening Checklist: English - Spanish)
- Immediately isolate and remove sick workers.
- Perform frequent and routine environmental cleaning and disinfection of high-touch areas with an EPA-approved disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus the causes COVID-19). (CDC Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting) (PDF)
Business Information
Information on Assessing Workplace Hazards - US Department of Labor
Working Safe - Best Practices for Employers (PDF)
Guidance for Temperature Screening and Symptom Checks (PDF)
Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce – Smart Restart (Link)
Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers (PDF)
CDC Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting (PDF)
Count On Me NC Program - Information covered in the Count On Me NC Program includes businesses that are to remained closed during Phase 2.
COVID-19 Business Guidance (NCDHHS website links)
Includes information on:
Places of Worship and Religious Services
Daycare Information
Swimming Pools
Youth Programs and Camps
CDC Youth Programs and Camps During COVID-19 Decision Tree