Governor Cooper signed an Executive Order on Thursday for stronger social

distancing requirements. Some of the requirements include:

1) Setting limits on how many people can be in a store at one time. 5 people per

1000 square feet of retail space or 20% of fire marshal posted occupancy limits.

2) Marking 6 feet of distance for areas where people gather like checkout lines

3) Requiring specific cleaning measures for retail stores

The Order also sets public health and safety requirements for nursing homes

during the public health emergency. The Order encourages other longer-term

care facilities to follow the same guidance.

Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests

due to high fire danger. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or

campfire is now prohibited. The restrictions are in effect until August 8^th, unless

rescinded earlier due to changing conditions. Commercially available fuel

stoves (camp stoves) can be used at this time.

A man is charged with felony intimidating a witness. On March 28^th, the Burke

County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was conducting an

investigation for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. It was

discovered that the defendant 23-year-old Emillo Jesus Villarreal made contact

with a state’s witness in ongoing criminal investigation for the expressed purpose

of preventing  and/or deterring testimony. A court appearance is set for Monday.