The Town of Wake Forest will follow North Carolina’s modified Stay-at-Home Order as outlined by Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 138 beginning at 5 p.m. today (Friday, May 8).

The Wake Forest Town Hall and other Town facilities will remain closed to the public throughout Phase One. Timelines for reopening Town facilities will be announced as we move closer to Phase Two.

The Town will resume yard waste collection Monday, May 11. Crews will follow the normal schedule beginning with Monday’s route. Residents must bag for collection all leaves, pine needles and grass clippings or place them inside a garbage receptacle marked ‘YW’ (yard waste). As always, please avoid placing items on or near mailboxes, utility boxes, utility poles or other fixed objects. Click here for complete details .

Bulk waste collection remains suspended until further notice.


Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources offices and buildings, including Joyner Park Community Center, will remain closed to the public during Phase One. All greenways and parks remain open.

Beginning Saturday, May 9, at 8 a.m., all tennis and pickleball courts will re-open.


Park bathrooms will also re-open, but other park amenities, including playgrounds, water fountains and picnic shelters remain closed.

All PRCR Department in-person programming has been canceled through the end of May. Staff is evaluating the viability of summer programs and camps, along with the possibility of opening the Holding Park Aquatic Center and Taylor Street Sprayground. In Phase Two of Gov. Cooper’s plan, the Town may reopen recreational activities, including the Joyner Park Community Center. Stay tuned for more information. 
Easing Restrictions in Phase One
Phase One of North Carolina’s reopening plan does not make major changes to the stay-at-home order. However, it allows more businesses to open, including clothing stores, sporting goods stores, book shops, houseware stores and other retailers. Any open stores must provide education to employees to combat misinformation and implement:
  • Appropriate employee and consumer social distancing.
  • Enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols.
  • Symptom screening of employees.
  • Accommodations for vulnerable workers.

Gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer people. In public spaces where six feet of distancing isn’t possible, face coverings are recommended. Employers are encouraged to continue teleworking policies, and long-term care facilities and other congregant care settings will continue rigorous restrictions.


Funerals
In an effort to promote human dignity and limit suffering, funerals are permitted to include no more than 50 persons.


Guidance for Businesses
Highlights of Phase One include:
  • Any retail business may open at up to 50% capacity (according to the building’s occupancy rating). Businesses must practice social distancing, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more.
  • Certain businesses will remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues and gyms.
  • Restaurants may only continue drive-through, takeout and delivery.
  • Teleworking is encouraged for businesses that can practice it.
  • People may leave their homes for commercial activity at any open business.

The NC Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) created materials for businesses in Phase One, including:
  • Checklist for Business Owners
  • Interim Guidance for Owners, Staff, and Patrons of Businesses
  • Symptom Screening Checklist
  • Templates to Meet Required Signage


Helpful Links


Town of Wake Forest - COVID-19 Portal
The Town of Wake Forest has created a COVID-19 portal to share useful information and provide updates. The page includes links to the websites of local, state, and national health experts, a complete rundown of Town alerts and closures , a listing of local restaurants providing delivery and takeout service, and other useful information about COVID-19. We continue to update the web page as circumstances warrant. The portal is also included as a function on the Town of Wake Forest app .


Wake County COVID-19 Updates
The situation with COVID-19 is evolving. To help provide you with facts and allay your concerns, Wake County has created a COVID-19 web page and is continually adding to a list of frequently asked questions . The web page also includes a Help for Residents area, which provides information about how to access a number of services, such as food and nutrition services, Medicaid, Work First benefits and more.


Contact Information

Specific questions about your risk 
919-856-7044

General feedback

Health-related questions
919-856-7044

Business-related questions
919-856-7420


Protect Yourself
Wake County’s public health team encourages you to protect yourself from COVID-19 and any other flu-like illness by following these simple steps:

  • Maintain social distancing of six feet from other people
  • Wash your hands.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
STAY INFORMED
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If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-Notifier, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.