News Flash

NEWS RELEASE
Office of the Mayor
April 29, 2020

Mayor Allen Joines today rescinded his current stay-at-home order and its provisions in order to bring the city under the provisions of the statewide order issued by Gov. Roy Cooper. Cooper’s order is scheduled to expire May 8, a day after Joines’ order was scheduled to expire.

Placing the city under the statewide order does not change which businesses have been deemed essential or non-essential. Forsyth County has also revised its stay-at home provisions to align with the state timetable. 

By aligning the city with county and state measures, businesses will face less confusion as they prepare to reopen, Joines said. “My goal has been and continues to be one of keeping our citizens as safe as possible while limiting the negative impact on the economy,” Joines said. “Governor Cooper has laid out a reasonable plan for reopening the economy based on science, data and guidance from our medical professionals.

“I will be working in conjunction with Forsyth County officials and local businesses on a strategy to facilitate the reopening of the economy once the governor issues formal executive orders lifting his restrictions.”

Mark Owens, the president and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc., said, “This order allows our entire county to operate under the governor’s order, making it easier for our business community. As we prepare for a phased reopen, this will help make that transition happen smoother.”   

Still in effect is Joines’ declaration of a state of emergency, issued on March 13, which makes the city eligible for any reimbursement that may become available from state and federal sources.

Local governments cannot issue an order that is less restrictive than the governor’s, Joines noted.  “Except as otherwise provided in the governor’s order,” Joines said, “the action today does not preclude me from reinstating more stringent restrictions if I deem that conditions in Winston-Salem are substantially different than the broader statewide condition.

“I want to thank all the citizens of Winston-Salem for their continued cooperation during these difficult times. I urge all our citizens to stay at home when they can, wear a mask when they do go out, and practice social distancing. Doing these things will help us reopen our businesses in Winston-Salem.”