Wilmington Mayor extends local stay at home order

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo held a news conference this morning where he extended the local stay at home order, with some changes.

Hotels and motels are to remain closed, but short term rentals can open.

Saffo says this is because non-essential travel is still discouraged.

“We felt at this time we could lift some restrictions on the short-term rentals because we know exactly how many there are. We know that they’re separated,” he said. “But we felt that hotels and motels should be closed.”

Funerals can now have up to 50 people attend, rather than just 10. Places of public amusement like country clubs will remain closed and dressing rooms at retailers will be closed.

Saffo says it’s important to make the right decisions at this time.

“We know many people are eager to reopen the city, and we are too, but we have to get this right at this moment,” he said.

Saffo said these restrictions will be reviewed weekly.

“We are cautiously optimistic, but if we get this wrong and move too quickly, lives could be lost. And that’s just one risk we are not willing to take,” Saffo said.

Saffo says these decisions were made with guidance from the state and public health officials.

These restrictions will last until May 15 at 5:00 p.m.