LATEST: Governor Roy Cooper has now extended the statewide Stay at Home Order until May 8, 2020. The Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others.
As the world continues to grapple with challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Democracy North Carolina is helping the public to learn ways to limit exposure to the virus and lower infection rates (also known as “flattening the curve”).
There are some common sense measures everyone can take to protect themselves and others from the spread of respiratory illnesses including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
It is also good practice to start being more aware of the number of times a day your hands touch an object or hard surface and then touch your face without being washed. Limiting the exposure of your nose, mouth and eyes to unwashed hands can help to protect from the spread of all germs and illnesses.
It is not recommended that people wear masks if they are well or stockpile them. Masks should be worn by people who are sick to prevent the spread of infection.
These fact sheets (English,Open PDF SpanishOpen PDF, Simplified ChineseOpen PDF) can also be used to help you prepare for a potential COVID-19 outbreak.
NCDHHS has also provided guidance on considerations of people with disabilities and other access and functional needs for COVID-19.
More North Carolina Resources for Protecting Yourself
NC COVID-19 Call Center: 866-462-3821
NCDHHS | Basic Information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
What is it? How does it spread?
NCDHHS | COVID-19 Case Count in North Carolina
How many people are impacted? And where?
NCDHHS | Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19
Answers to more of your most frequently-asked questions.
NCDHHS | COVID-19: Individuals and Families
Measures for protecting your family.
NCDHHS | NC Response to COVID-19
What North Carolina is doing to help.
NCDHHS | Testing for COVID-19
Do you think you need a COVID-19 test?
For more information about the coronavirus’ affect on colleges and schools, public spaces, travel and more, visit NCDHHS’ Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response in North Carolina website.
- NC Department of Health and Human Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- NC Emergency Management
- Your local health department
If you have specific questions or concerns related to coronavirus, call 866-462-3821 for more information. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Get the latest information from reliable sources to stay informed and help your family stay healthy. And check back often as information is changing.
Democracy NC Resources for Protecting Your Right to Vote
Democracy North Carolina is also encouraging our election officials and lawmakers to consider adopting emergency measures to protect public health and every Americans’ right to vote in the upcoming May 12th runoff election and the November general election. In the process we’ll provide ways for you to take action.
Right now, you can do your part to protect our democracy by:
- Filling out your census form online, by phone, or by mail. More on this process at demnc.co/census.
- Looping in to the latest ways to protect yourself and your vote. Sign up for text alerts at demnc.co/text.
- Attending virtual coalition meetings and informative online trainings. Learn more at demnc.co/events.
- Getting involved with online voter outreach and volunteerism. Sign up now at demnc.co/volunteer.
- Working to make sure voters have full access during this fall’s crucial elections at demnc.co/takeaction.
- Recommit to voting in 2020. Sign and share our demnc.co/pledge2020.
Together we can help protect our communities while not losing sight of our important collective work of building a political system that works for all.
For the latest on voting rules and options, visit our voter education website, ncvoter.org.