Buncombe County Commissioners recommend restaurants revert back to 50% indoor capacity

Press release from Buncombe County: 

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chairman Brownie Newman signed an updated declaration of emergency that aligns with the state’s current declaration. Effective immediately, Buncombe County restaurant capacities will align with the state’s order of 50 percent.

The decision was made as a result of key metrics showing significant reduction in the community spread of COVID-19 in Buncombe County.

At its special called meeting tonight, the Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the allocation of financial assistance to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

County and state officials continue to stress the importance of the 3 W’s. If you leave home, Wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth, Wait 6 feet apart and avoid close contact, and Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

The updated local declaration of emergency is below: 

BUNCOMBE COUNTY ALIGNMENT WITH GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS: REVISED PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS TO PROTECT LIVES IN RESPONDING TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 

WHEREAS, beginning in December 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated SARS-CoV2 which causes the disease COVID-19, has spread through the world and has now been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization; and

WHEREAS, a State of Emergency was declared by the Governor of North Carolina on March 10, 2020;

WHEREAS, a local State of Emergency was declared by Buncombe County Commissioners on March 12, 2020, acknowledging the gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic;

WHEREAS, Governor Cooper has, as circumstances have changed over time, issued a number of modifications to the statewide emergency declaration, including Executive Order Nos.117-122, 124-125, 129-131, 133-136, 138-144, 146-153, 155-157, 161-165, 169-173, 176-177, 180-181, 183-185, and 188;

WHEREAS, Buncombe County health officials have been following data trends in Buncombe County COVID-19 cases and their associated burdens and are satisfied with local impacts of the Governor’s executive orders and these officials recommend that Buncombe County align with the Governor’s COVID-19 restrictions as long as the local data remain acceptable; and

WHEREAS, based on data trends and Buncombe County health officials, this Board finds it in the best interest of the citizens and residents of Buncombe County to align with the Governor’s executive orders related to COVID-19 prohibitions and restrictions.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Chapter 21, Buncombe County Code of Ordinances and Article 1A of the N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 166A, the Board of Commissioners, do hereby declare and order the following:

1. Buncombe County aligns in all respects with the Governor’s executive orders related to COVID-19 prohibitions and restrictions including face coverings in all settings as described in such executive orders effective immediately, and such alignment with current or future executive orders as same are related to the pandemic shall remain in effect unless otherwise repealed, replaced, or rescinded.

2. The provisions of the Buncombe County March 12, 2020 Declaration of State of Emergency regarding Local State of Emergency and activation of the local Emergency Management Plan shall remain in effect until otherwise repealed, replaced, or rescinded.

3. By and with the consent of the mayors of the following named municipalities within Buncombe County, this Order applies within the municipal limits of the City of Asheville and the Town of Montreat.

4. If any subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Order or any application of it to any person, structure, gathering, or circumstance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, then such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions or applications of this Order.

Adopted this the 26th day of January, 2021.