Buncombe County to reevaluate restaurant capacity restrictions by Jan. 22

Press release from Buncombe County government:

On Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, Buncombe County, City of Asheville, and Town of Montreat moved to add more stringent measures in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Buncombe County. The new local order takes effect on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at 5 p.m., and reduces the capacity for indoor dining in restaurants from 50% of stated fire capacity to 30% and lowers the number for indoor social gatherings with individuals from outside your household from 10 persons to 2 persons.

The decision was made as a result of key metrics showing that there is significant or critical community spread of COVID-19 in Buncombe County, however the Board of Commissioners will continue to evaluate and monitor those metrics as we move into the new year. “This was a difficult decision to make because it creates real hardship for local restaurants and workers,” said Commission Chair Brownie Newman. “We want our restaurant community to know we plan to re-evaluate the policy by Jan. 22. If the number of people being hospitalized from COVID-19 and other trends have gone down, we would remove the capacity limits at that time.”

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.