Gov. Cooper closes NC bars, restaurants, adds help for those who lose jobs during coronavirus crisis

Cooper's order goes into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday,

During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Cooper acknowledged the hardship closing dining rooms would create for businesses.

"We did not come to this decision easily, but North Carolina must keep fighting this pandemic with the right weapons," he said.

"The new reality is that people will be losing jobs," he said.

Cooper's order also addresses unemployment for those workers affected by COVID-19.

Cooper's order removes the one-week waiting period to apply for benefits, as well as the requirement for that person to be looking for another job during this time. The order also allows employees who lose their jobs or have hours reduced due to COVID-19 concerns to apply for unemployment benefits.

Cooper said the order also directs that employers are not held responsible for benefits paid as a direct result of COVID-19 claims.

"The reality is we have immune-compromised employees, immune-compromised customers, and so we just wanted to create a safer space by not being a functioning space," Jeddah's owner Morgan Siegel said. "We just thought it was the right move for our community and a safer move for our space."

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Cooper's order comes after President Trump suggested people not gather in groups of 10 or more. Currently, the CDC recommends people avoid crowds of 50 or more for the next eight weeks.

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North Carolina has 41 people who have tested positive for the new coronavirus. Fifteen of those cases are in Wake County, and four are in Harnett County. Across the country, more than 4,000 are infected, and just over 80 people have died from the virus.

North Carolina Coronavirus dashboard - Maps, charts and data