Over the past several weeks I have heard rumors, snippets, half-truths, and downright lies about what places are open and what things are prohibited under North Carolina’s latest COVID-19 stay-at-home Executive Order. I typically like to get important information from the source or as close to it as possible before I will rely upon it or pass it on to others. For the official latest Executive Order by Governor Roy Cooper and related COVID-19 Executive Orders click here. Some highlights of these Executive Orders include:
Effective March 31st until at least May 30: mandatory 180-day period for payment of arrearages and delinquencies on utility (electric, gas, water, wastewater) accounts. No interest fees or late charges allowed either. And no cut-off of these utility services for non-payment.
Until April 17th but subject to possible extension: no new eviction proceedings to be filed in court. Clerks of court can, but are not required to, refrain from issuing any Writ of Possession of Real Property.
Long list of “essential business operations” which are allowed to remain open with some limitations. List includes electronics/technology stores, hotels/motels, laundromats and dry cleaners, home improvement stores, and many others.
DMV drivers license visits by appointment only and suspension of all road tests for people seeking provisional licenses or other forms of Class C licenses.
Suspension of most DMV drivers license hearings until at least May 30.
Most state court proceedings suspended until June 1. Click here for a list of the different rules and policies at county courthouses across North Carolina.
Extension of time for payment for court debts in traffic and criminal cases for 90 days and suspension of reporting of failures to pay to the DMV.
As usual, I hope you find this information useful and I invite you to share it with your family, friends, and associates. Please remain healthy and safe out there. Hang in there….better days are ahead. Prepare and prioritize now.