The city of Roanoke Rapids today issued a second amendment to its current state of emergency declaration.

The amendment executed by Mayor Emery Doughtie modifies restrictions on public gatherings of people to make it consistent with Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 121, which prohibits gatherings of 10 or more people at all times.

The city’s original public gatherings mandate prohibited gatherings of three or more people occurring outside a single household or residential area.

The city said the public safety curfew and restrictions on public and private gatherings are intended to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

(PDFs of the second amendment and an FAQ may be found by clicking the respective links)

The modification says public and private gatherings of 10 or more people in a single space at the same time — indoors or outdoors —  are prohibited under the order, although certain exemptions apply.

The order does not prohibit gatherings of persons necessary for normal operations of any essential businesses or operations listed in the city’s state of emergency declaration, which is consistent with the governor’s March 30 order.

The modification does not affect a curfew which goes into effect this evening at 9 and will run from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. daily until further notice.

During the curfew, all individuals except those exempted, shall not be on or travel upon any public street, alley, roadway or upon public property. 

People can still travel to and from work during the curfew or to seek health care. 

Certain groups are exempted from the curfew in accordance with the order.

The city’s state of emergency remains in effect until it is terminated or another amendment is enacted.

City information is available to Charter Spectrum subscribers on Channel 193.