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City of Durham COVID-19 Updates & Resources
The City’s top priority is to maintain essential services for our community while protecting the health and safety of our residents and employees.
CURRENT STATUS
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What has changed in N.C. Executive Order 195?
- Removes the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10 pm and 5 am.
- The number of people who may gather indoors increases from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors.
- The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption moves from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative is still permitted.
- Some businesses, including bars and amusement parks, will now be open for patrons indoors as they adhere to new occupancy restrictions.
- Many businesses, venues and arenas will have increased occupancy both indoors and outdoors.
- View Executive Order 195 FAQs for additional details.
CDC Extends Ban on Evictions through at least March 31
The CDC has issued an order banning evictions nationwide for those who meet certain qualifications. View FAQs. If you need assistance, contact Legal Aid NC or NC 211.
Doing Business with the City Remotely
While the City continues to provide essential services, Durham residents are encouraged to avoid in-person contact as much as possible. Below are several ways to engage and do business with the city remotely:
City of Durham Updates
When interacting with City staff or visiting City facilities, the public must follow the social distancing and sanitation guidelines as defined in North Carolina's current order. This includes wearing a face covering and maintaining a six-foot distance between yourself and others.
- City Services, Facilities, & Events
- City Hall Reopening
- Press Releases
- Enforcement
- City order archive
The following updates for City services, facilities, and programs are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
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City Hall Lobby Limited Reopening
The first floor lobby of City Hall is open to the public for in-person, cash water bill payments and service assistance on a limited schedule:
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If possible, customers are strongly encouraged to continue to pay their water bills using the following methods:
- By contacting Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200
- By U.S. Mail to P.O. Box 30041, Durham, N.C. 27702-3041
- By using one-of-two secure drop boxes located at City Hall (one drop box is located along the Mangum St. side of City Hall and a new drop box has been placed at the main entrance of City Hall on City Hall Plaza)
- By visiting more than 40 Western Union locations across Durham
Safety Protocols for Doing Business at City Hall
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
With the limited reopening of the City Hall lobby, additional steps are being taken to protect the public and employees from the spread of COVID-19.
- Staff are using enhanced cleaning protocols with additional attention to all shared spaces and publicly-accessible areas of City Hall. Routine cleaning and sanitizing will occur on an ongoing basis throughout the day using CDC-approved, COVID-19 cleaning products with extra focus on high-touch areas such as doorknobs, water fountains, handrails, and dispensers and faucets in all restrooms.
- Plexiglas shields at the customer service areas in the City Hall lobby will provide an extra safety barrier between employees and the public during customer service interactions.
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are also available for employee and public use as needed.
Required Safety Measures
Alongside the enhanced cleaning and safety measures mentioned above, the public as well as all City employees are required to wear a face covering upon entering the building and to remain six feet apart.
- If a member of the public does not have a face covering, a disposable one will be provided and must be worn in order to enter City Hall lobby.
- Completion of a short wellness screening, provided in English and Spanish, will also be required before entering the City Hall lobby.
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Durham Launches CARES Small Business Grants Program - Applications Open Nov. 12
Friday, November 6: Durham is offering support for small businesses affected by the pandemic through a new grant program. The program will provide $240,000 of CARES Act funds to help businesses cover essential COVID-19-related expenses. Read on... -
Durham Parks & Recreation (DPR) to Host Socially-Distanced Holiday Events
Thursday, November 12: DPR is excited to provide free, festive fun to the Durham community this holiday season! Learn more about Bull City Holidayz which will offer holiday-themed events the first three Saturdays in December, and more! Read on... -
Indoor Pools Open for Lap Swim by Reservation Only
Tuesday, October 13: Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) is pleased to announce that the Edison Johnson Aquatics Center and Campus Hills Pool are now open for lap swim by reservation only. Read on... -
Durham Announces Halloween Safety Guidelines with DPR to Host Virtual & Drive-Through Events
Tuesday, October 6: Due to COVID-19, activities like trick-or-treating, indoor events, and large gatherings are discouraged, and considered high risk. Learn about safety guidelines and other ways to celebrate including many DPR events. Read on... -
Durham Water to Resume Cutoffs for Nonpayment on September 16
Wednesday, Sept. 2: The City has returned to regular water billing practices and will resume cutoffs for nonpayment. To remain operational, the City must receive payments; there are resources and options for those experiencing hardship. Read on...
How do I report a violation of the Stay at Home Order?
- To report violations in the City or County of Durham:
Call the Durham Emergency Communications Center non-emergency line at 919-560-4600.
Please DO NOT call the non-emergency phone number for general inquiries or questions about the Order. If your question is not answered on this FAQ webpage, contact Durham One Call at 919-560-1200 for assistance Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- To report violations at Duke University:
If you have any questions or concerns or observe students whose behavior does not adhere to these policies, please call 800-826-8109, option 3, the Duke “Speak Up” reporting line, or email conduct@duke.edu, which goes to the Office of Student Conduct in the Division of Student Affairs. Submissions by phone and email will be sent to the appropriate department for follow up.
If you need an immediate response to an off-campus issue, the Durham Neighborhoods United Protocol for Dealing with Off-Campus Student Housing should be followed.
How is the Order being enforced within the City limits?
It is the City’s priority to enforce the Order through education, dialogue, and seeking voluntary cooperation from all residents and businesses. If voluntary cooperation is not achieved, the following steps will be taken:
- Step 1 – Advisory Education: The City will respond to violations with contact from the Durham Police Department (DPD) and City Attorney’s Office to provide education and an opportunity for voluntary compliance. This includes delivery of an advisory letter by DPD to notify the individual or business of their responsibility to follow the Order, and a call or letter from the Attorney’s Office.
- Step 2 – Criminal Citation and Cease and Desist Letter: For continued violations, DPD will issue a citation and the Attorney’s Office will issue a cease and desist letter. After the citation and letter are issued, DPD will visit again to check on compliance with the Order.
December 11 - Fourteenth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Safer-at-Home Order
Aligns with North Carolina Executive Order 181 to implement modified stay at home order.
- City Adoption of Order (PDF) - English
November 25 - Thirteenth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Safer-at-Home Order
Aligns with North Carolina Executive Order 180 to tighten mask requirements.
November 13 - Twelfth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Safer-at-Home Order
Aligns with the North Carolina Phase 3 Extension (Executive Order 176).
October 2 – Eleventh Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Safer-at-Home Order
Aligns with the North Carolina Phase 3 (Executive Order 169).
September 4 – Tenth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Safer-at-Home Order
Aligns with the North Carolina Phase 2.5 (Executive Order 163).
July 9 – Ninth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Safer-at-Home Order
Aligns with the North Carolina Phase Two Extension (Executive Order 147) with specific exceptions.
June 12 – Eighth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Safer-at-Home Order
Updates focus on outdoor exercise classes along with changes for real estate.
May 29 – Seventh Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Transition to Safer-at-Home Order
The updated order closely aligns with the state order (Executive Order 141) and allows more businesses to re-open.
May 22 – Sixth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Stay-at-Home Order
Modified to reflect some of the state’s latest changes (Executive Order 141), while keeping several additional requirements in place for a little longer.
May 15 – Fifth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Stay-at-Home Order
Mostly adopts the Governor’s Executive Order 138 with some additional requirements for Durham residents/visitors.
April 24 – Fourth Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Stay-at-Home Order
Updates to combined Stay-At-Home Order including an extension to May 15.
April 17 – Third Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Stay-at-Home Order
Update provides additional guidelines around face coverings, farmers markets, and activities for realtors.
April 3 – Second Amendment to Emergency Declaration/Combined Stay-at-Home Order
Combines the City and County Stay-At-Home Orders into a single order to reduce confusion and offer clearer guidance to businesses and residents.
March 25 – Amendment to City’s Emergency Declaration/Creation of Stay-at-Home Order
March 20 – Amendment to City’s Emergency Declaration
Expands closures to gyms, fitness centers, health clubs, and theaters.
March 13 – City of Durham Emergency Declaration
Declares that a state of emergency exists in the City of Durham and prohibits a group of 100 or more persons to be located in a City facility that is owned/co-owned with the County.
COVID-19 Resources
For additional COVID-19 updates and information, residents are encouraged to visit official public health resources:
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Resources (NCDHHS)
- Durham County Department of Public Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Find Testing Locations
Visit the NCDHHS website to locate convenient COVID-19 testing options.
Download the SlowCOVIDNC Exposure Notification App
Get the SlowCOVIDNC app to receive notifications if you've been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Coronavirus Data and Visualizations
The City’s Technology Solutions Department’s GIS and Open Data programs are using public health data to share COVID-19 data and resources in a visual format for the Durham community. View local COVID-19 data
End Hunger Durham: Food Resources and Food Locator Map
End Hunger Durham provides information to connect the community to available food resources, including an interactive map to locate nearby pantries, grocery stores, and distribution sites.
Support East Durham Through Communities in Partnership
Communities in Partnership, a non-profit dedicated to developing grassroots leadership and community engagement in East Durham, is raising resources for small business support and food distribution.
State Resources for Families and Communities
Find information on state resources and programs that provide food assistance, financial assistance, and more.
Durham Small Business Recovery Fund Program
City Council has authorized the establishment of the Durham Small Business Recovery Fund program to offer grants and loans for small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back on the Bull: Complete the Business Safety Checklist
Complete the checklist in English or Spanish to get a customized poster to display the steps you are taking to keep employees and customers safe. Visit BackOnTheBull.com.
Durham Business 360: Small Business Resources & Support
The City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development is compiling recovery and relief resources to help small businesses, as well as ways the community can offer support. Visit Durham Business 360
Discover Durham Guide to Support Local Businesses
Find ways to support Durham’s local businesses while practicing social distancing - shop online, order takeout, explore virtual events and activities, and more. Visit Discover Durham
State Resources for Businesses & Employers
Find information on state resources and programs including unemployment insurance, public health guidance, and more.
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200