Governor Cooper's Phase 1 Re-Opening Begins at 5pm Today

On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 138 that directed the State to begin Phase 1 re-opening today, May 8, 2020, at 5pm. Phase 1 re-opening lifts the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses. Buncombe County has also amended the local declaration to more closely align with Governor Cooper's order. The only distinction between the State and Buncombe County is now related to lodging. Currently in Buncombe County, lodging industries may only accept leisure travel reservations from persons living in the 828 area code. 

For more information on COVID-19 in Biltmore Forest and Buncombe County, please visit our COVID-19 website for information.