Gov. Cooper announces relief funds for some businesses closed by COVID-19 orders

Governor Roy Cooper during a briefing at the Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh on August 5, 2020. N.C. Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen in the background. [NCDPS photo]

Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday a $40 million relief package will be made available to provide grants to some businesses that were closed by orders issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state’s large sports stadiums, arenas and race tracks will be also be allowed to open to spectators at a fraction of their capacities starting in October.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – powering our local communities and giving back in so many ways. They deserve our support, and this new initiative can help them weather this tough time,” Cooper said.

The N.C. Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief, administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, can provide up to $20,000 in relief funds per qualifying business location. Business applicants from certain industry sectors that have not been able to operate during the COVID period may apply for up to two of their business locations.

Applicants can apply for up to four months of mortgage interest or rent expenses, and utility expenses. The help offers relief for some of the fixed costs a business cannot easily control on its own. Applications to the program should open next week and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applicants must certify that they were closed during the period April 1 through July 31, 2020; they expect to be able to operate after the COVID crisis has passed; and they have not been reimbursed by any other federal source for the expenses for which they seek reimbursement through this program.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Amusement parks
  • Banquet Halls (with catering staff)
  • Bars, taverns, night clubs, cocktail lounges
  • Bingo parlors
  • Bowling alleys/centers
  • Dance halls
  • Indoor fitness and recreation centers
  • Motion picture/movie theaters (except drive-ins)
  • Museums

The Department of Commerce will begin accepting applications soon, according to the governor.

Business leaders can learn about the MURR program by registering for one of the free educational webinars offered by the Department of Commerce over the next two weeks.

For the webinar schedule and additional information on the program, visit www.nccommerce.com/murr.

Governor Cooper and N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also announced that effective October 2, large outdoor venues would be permitted to open at 7 percent capacity with key safety precautions in place.

Cooper said the announcement was made Tuesday so these locations could begin putting safety measures in place in order to operate.

Large entertainment venues are those that can seat over 10,000. That allows spectators to attend events at college football and basketball venues, Carolina Panthers football games, and upcoming NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“We will continue analyzing our data and indicators as we determine how to move forward safely in other areas that may be included in the new order on October 2nd. In it, we hope to ease some other restrictions, while still keeping safety protocols like masks, social distancing, and mass gathering limits in place,” said Cooper.

”With more things open and people moving around more, we need everyone to stay vigilant about wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart, and washing their hands often,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Our progress is fragile and will take our continued hard to work to protect it.”

The Governor’s Office said state and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next week to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires October 2 at 5 p.m.

This story originally appeared on OBXToday.com. Read More local stories here.

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