March 25, 2020
Buncombe County has issued a “Stay Home – Stay Safe” Supplemental Declaration that goes into effect Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 8 p.m. The intent of this supplemental declaration is to further minimize all opportunities for exposure and transmission of COVID-19 across the jurisdiction. This declaration directs all Buncombe County residents to “Stay Home – Stay Safe” and to limit movements outside of their homes that are not deemed essential. This declaration is valid through Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 6 a.m., but will be regularly reviewed and evaluated which may lead to revision, amendment or extension. For more information on essential activities, services, and businesses, go to the Buncombe County webpage.
FOR ANY BUNCOMBE COUNTY BUSINESS LOOKING FOR EXEMPTION DURING SHUTDOWN:
Buncombe County has a process to evaluate businesses and allow them the ability to continue operations as an essential business IF they are deemed to be essential by following this process. Businesses not explicitly covered in this guidance are assumed to be non-essential until they are confirmed as essential by Buncombe County Government. Here's how to apply.
Send email to [email protected] with the following information:
- business name
- point of contact, including email address, phone number, mailing address
- nature of your business and why it should be deemed essential
- business website address
Please be aware that this is a new process and Buncombe County is experiencing a high volume of requests, so the response could be delayed. More information is on the Buncombe County website (use link above).
EMERGENCY PAID SICK LEAVE QUALIFICATION:
Effective April 1, employees in Buncombe County who are not allowed to work from home can utilize the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act under the FFCRA. This is because they are subject to a local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19. More information on the FFCRA is available on our Coronavirus webpage.
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