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Governor Cooper Announces Phase Two - Restaurants Can Open With 50% Capacity
The Stay-At-Home Order is lifted
May 20, 2020

P
hase 2 was announced by Governor Cooper Wednesday, taking effect Friday at 5p. The stay-at-home order will be lifted.

Phase 2 is a ‘safer-at-home’ plan. Governor Cooper said, “Since we announced Phase 1, the state’s overall key indicators remain stable. However the increase in the COVID-19 cases signal a need to take a more modest step forward in Phase 2 than originally envisioned.”

Bars, nightclubs, gyms, indoor fitness facilities, indoor entertainment like movie theaters, bowling alleys, and museums, and public playgrounds will all remain closed because of the potential for significant virus transmission.

It means restaurants can open their dining areas, plus hair salons can reopen as long as they open at 50% of their building’s stated fire capacity.

The requirements for restaurants include:

  • No more than 50% of normal maximum occupancy.
  • Tables and seating should be arranged to have at least six feet between guests.
  • High-traffic areas, like cash registers for example, must be clearly marked with six feet of spacing.

With the above criteria, most restaurants in Oriental (but not all) plan to open their dining rooms Friday at 5p.

Updated May 22 @9:12a

M&Ms Cafe – Open Friday at 5p. Owner Dave Sargent says M&Ms will be open for both dine-in and takeout. M&Ms is open 7 days a week, 11a -8p.
The Silos – The Silos will not open their dining area Friday night or this weekend, but they will continue to provide take-out. Chris Daniels states he is concerned for the safety of his employees and customers, and didn’t want to re-open the dining areas on one of the busiest weekends of the year. The Silos dining area may re-open next week.
Brantley’s Village Restaurant – Open Friday at 5. Back on their regular schedule going forward, open Monday – Saturday 7:00a – 8:30p.
Toucan Grill – Open Friday at 5. Tom McIlhenney says their will be a band at the Tiki Bar Saturday night. He asks patrons to wear masks – they are having a “Mask-uerade” party. Hours Fri-Sun Noon – 9p, Mon, Wed & Thu 5–9p. Closed Tuesdays.
The Bean – The Bean will open the dining area and porch/deck Saturday morning. Open 7 days, Mon – Thurs 7:30a – 6:00p, Fri – Sun 7:30a – 7:00p.
Oriental Deli – Dining room opens Saturday at 7a and continues with their regular hours, 7a-2p, 7 days a week.

The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association has released a document providing guidance on re-opening under Phase 2. That PDF is at this link.

Other businesses are ready to open too.
Studio 55 Hair & Nail Design will reopen Tuesday at 9a, by appointment only. Stylists will call their clients to make the appointments.
Georgie’s Hair Styling Salon will re-open Saturday, open 8a -3p. Georgie says she will work “until I wear out”. Georgie is normally open Tuesday – Saturday, but will be open this Monday.
Village Gallery is open on a limited basis in May. 10a – 5p, Thursday – Saturday, and Sunday May 31. On June 1st, the gallery will resume regular hours, Thursday – Sunday, 10-5. 252-249-0300
Marsha’s Cottage Marsha’s Cottage is open by appointment. Just call 252-249-0334 and Marsha will set a time to meet at the store.
Village Hardware is business as usual. Open M-Sat, 8-5p (though they do get cranky by 4:55p).
West Marine The Oriental West Marine is back open. Open Mon-Sat, 10a-6p, Sun 10a-5p. 252-249-3200.
Inland Waterway Provision Company is open and offers home delivery. 252-249-1797 Open M-Th, 9:30a-5p, F-Sat, 9:30a-5:30p, Sun, 10a-4p.
Nautical Wheelers is open Come into the store or phone in your order to 252-249-0359. Curbside pick-up or delivery can be arranged. Open M-Sun, 10a-5:30p.

This article with be updated as more information comes in.

Posted Wednesday May 20, 2020 by Keith N. Smith


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