Johnston Reporter

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order that creates rules for retail stores to follow, such as social distancing, to prevent spreading COVID-19 this month. 

The order was signed April 13 and is effective for 30 days, impacting any open store selling products, the News & Observer reported.

The new order will allow for 20% of the stated fire occupancy or five people for every 1,000 feet, the publication reported. Employees will be required at each entrance to ensure the store occupancy falls in line with the executive order.

If a line is formed, shoppers must stand six feet apart while waiting to enter the store, the publication reported. Once in the store, shoppers are also required to stay six feet apart. Should they need to pass by each other on an aisle, they should do so without lingering. Stores are also required to mark six feet intervals at checkout registers and other lines, the News & Observer reported.

Carts will also need to be regularly wiped down to ensure cleanliness, according to the report. Doors and other areas such as keypads will also need to be regularly cleaned. Stores that fail to follow these guidelines will be subject to being closed down.