SALISBURY — Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days, until April 29, to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Executive Order No. 121 takes effect on 5 p.m. Monday and reduces the size of allowed gatherings to 10 people. The order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social distancing measures. The Order has the force of law and will be enforced in all 100 counties statewide.

“To continue our aggressive battle against COVID-19, I have signed a Stay at Home Order for the entire state of North Carolina. Though it is difficult we must do this to slow the disease spread,” Cooper said. “We need our medical system to be able to care for the friends and family we know will become seriously ill from the virus.”

The order directs people to stay at home, except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member.

“I know this order may lead to even more hardship and heartache. Although we are physically apart, we must take this step together in spirit,” Cooper said.

Three North Carolinians have died due to COVID-19 and the state has 763 confirmed cases of the virus in 60 counties. During a news conference, Cooper called on all North Carolinians to protect themselves by staying home and following social distancing guidelines.

North Carolina is now considered to have widespread transmission of the virus, which means people who have tested positive cannot trace where they were exposed to the virus.

The governor’s full order is available by clicking HERE.

The governor’s office has also put together a frequently asked questions document about the order, available by clicking HERE.

Unless noted in the order, previous closures and orders stand, as written as do local government orders in cities and counties.