Executive Order 120 Issued Prohibiting Mass Gatherings of More Than 50 and Closes Some Businesses

By Bridget Johnson | March 23, 2020

Governor Cooper Issues New Executive Order 120

Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 120 on Monday, March 23, 2020, to implement additional measures to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in North Carolina.  See details in Executive Order listed below.

Executive Order 120 – Issued March 23, 2020

This order announces additional measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic in North Carolina.  Among the important measures included in the new order are the following:

  • Amends a previous order prohibiting “mass gatherings” and now prohibits a “mass gathering” of more than fifty (50) people.
  • Imposes closures for certain businesses.  Automobile, truck and RV dealerships are NOT included on this list of businesses ordered to be closed in this Order.
  • Addresses mandatory local government operations.
  • Extends the current closure of public schools until May 15, 2020.
  • Visitation limitations at long term care facilities.

“Mass gathering” definition – The prohibition on “mass gatherings” applies throughout the state and is defined in the Order as “any event or convening that brings together more than fifty (50) persons in a single room or single space at the same time, such as an auditorium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals.”

Further, the Order provides that a “mass gathering does not include normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, shopping malls and centers. It does not include office environments, factories, grocery stores, and child care facilities.”

Executive Order 120 is effective March 25, 2020 at 5:00 pm, and shall remain in effect for thirty (30) days unless rescinded or superseded by another applicable Executive Order.  The school closure provisions are already in effect and will remain effective through May 15, 2020.