The Town of Fuquay-Varina continues to implement several operational changes to encourage social distancing and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 including closure of Town Hall and other facilities to the public. These changes are necessary to allow the Town to continue delivering Town government services, especially those that are most critical. The changes are also necessary to protect the health of Town employees which provide these services. Town officials appreciate the understanding and support of Town residents, businesses, and visitors as the Town temporarily suspends or modifies certain conveniences in accordance with public health guidelines. These changes are necessary to prepare the Town to effectively deliver critical services at the highest possible level during the current COVID-19 State of Emergency.  We want to reiterate, Town government is operating, however, several facilities are not open to the public.

Town of Fuquay-Varina has joined all other Wake County municipalities in the Wake County State of Emergency Declaration. View State of Emergency Declarations

The Latest Information

Wake County and Fuquay-Varina Stay at Home Orders

Wake County and the Town of Fuquay-Varina have issued a Stay at Home Order beginning Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. in order to further combat the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This order directs all Wake County and Fuquay-Varina residents to stay at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs. This order is valid through April 16, 2020 but will be regularly reviewed and evaluated and may be revised, amended, extended or rescinded accordingly, based upon recommendations by the Wake County Public Health Director and Wake County Emergency Management.

On March 27, 2020, NC Governor Roy Cooper issued a STATEWIDE Stay at Home order with similarities but some differences. Where there are differences, the more restrictive standard applies. For example, the Governor's Executive Order restricts gatherings of more than 10 people statewide, but the Wake County/Fuquay-Varina Stay at Home Declaration prohibits gatherings of any size beyond the immediate household.

What is considered Essential Activities under the Wake County and State Stay-at-Home Orders?

 
Download this Wake County EOC Cross Reference of Stay at Home Orders

ALLOWED

• Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
• Visiting a health care professional for medical services that cannot be provided virtually (call first)
• Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
• Care for or support a friend or family member
• Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog and be in nature for exercise – just keep at least six feet between you and others
• Walk your pets and take them to veterinarian if necessary
• Help someone to get necessary supplies
• Receive deliveries from any business which delivers

NOT ALLOWED

• Go to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by this Order
• Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
• Maintain less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out
• Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions as provided on the facility websites
• Travel except for essential travel and activities

For more comprehensive information on the Stay-at-Home Restrictions 

What is the difference between “Stay at Home” and “social distancing”?

Stay at home is a stricter form of social distancing. Stay at home means:

• Stay home (stay unexposed and do not expose others)
• Only go out for essential services
• Stay 6 feet or more away from others
• Don’t gather in groups

Stay-at-Home FAQ's

Businesses

Guidance for Businesses

You can also call the Wake County dedicated information line for businesses at 919-856-7420 with questions about COVID-19.

As identified in the State of Emergency declaration, First responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement personnel, essential governmental functions, and others working for or to support Essential Businesses may leave their home to commute to or perform their essential job functions.  All non-essential facilities, services, operations and retail businesses are closed.  Find information on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce.

Any person violating any prohibition or restriction imposed by this order shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14-288.20A

Additional Town Facility Closures

Effective at 5 PM on March 27, 2020, the following Town park facilities will be closed to the public through April 16, 2020:

• Fuquay-Varina Dog Park
• Public restrooms and water fountains
• Athletic Fields
• Picnic Shelters
• Museums at Ashworth Park, with the exception of walking paths

 

Facilities that remain closed through April 30, 2020:

• Playgrounds
• Outdoor basketball court
• Community Center

 

Facilities that remain open:

• Greenways
• Open space adjacent to greenways
• Tennis Courts

 

All closures will be regularly reviewed and evaluated, and are subject to change.

Town officials appreciate your understanding and partnership as we make every effort to protect the health and welfare of our community. Actions taken by our civic leaders are a direct response to concerns that a rapid increase in COVID-19 patients could overwhelm our local healthcare system. Doing your part in the community by following the restrictions and recommendations of the Stay-at-Home order will significantly help our community “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread and number of infections. The importance of social distancing and adhering to the Stay-at-Home order is to prevent our local hospitals from seeing a significant increase in new cases while current COVID-19 patients receive the critical care they need.    

Other News

Governor's Order Adds to Wake County Restrictions, March 23, 2020

Wake County's New Restrictions for Mass Gatherings, Playgrounds, Fitness Clubs, and More, March 22, 2020

FAQ About the New Restrictions,

Guidance for Businesses, March 22, 2020

Business-Specific Questions phone line: (919) 856-7420.

Review All Executive Orders from Gov. Roy Cooper

Closings, Cancellations and Postponements
As this situation evolves, officials will continue to evaluate and update information.

Consistent with the updated local State of Emergency Declaration, the Town has adjusted Town operations and public access to facilities as follows:

Indoor public facilities including Town Hall, Public Service Center, Arts Center, and the Community Center will be closed to the public through April 30 (this is an extension of the previous closure of Town Hall through March 31 and other facilities through April 5). However, Town staff continue to provide essential government services. Public access has also been restricted to interior spaces at Police and Fire Stations.
 
All Town recreational, active adult, athletics, and arts programs, events, and activities are canceled or postponed through April 30 (this is an extension of previous cancellations through April 5 and April 15). Playgrounds and the basketball court also remain closed through April 30, however open spaces and greenways remain open.
 
A decision will be made on the Spring youth sports season by mid-April, and an announcement will be made at that time.
 
The Town Board of Commissioners is currently planning to move forward with holding the regularly scheduled April 6, 2020, Town Board Meeting while providing an opportunity for remote participation.
 
The Town Planning Board is currently planning to move forward with holding the regularly scheduled April 20, 2020, Planning Board Meeting while providing an opportunity for remote participation. 

The following Events have been cancelled or postponed:
Census Day Event (April 1)
Easter Egg Hunt (April 4)
Candy Hop (April 4)
International Festival (April 4)
FM2FV Concert (April 16 & 30)

The following Meetings have been cancelled.

• Town Board (April 6) - Due to the current Fuquay-Varina Stay-at-Home Order, the Town of Fuquay-Varina is cancelling the Town Board meeting scheduled for April.
• Town Board (March 17)
• Planning Board (March 16)

Town Business Continues

Although public buildings will be closed, Town staff are working diligently to effectively deliver services during this unprecedented time in history.  Many staff are working remotely to provide services and employees are practicing social distancing. Please check department landing pages on our website for how each department is handling flow.  In many instances, there is an online solution.  Where an online solution is not available, our team is working to accommodate the needs of citizens and businesses. Here's a few ways that you can continue to conduct business with the Town.