Greensboro, N.C. – A “stay at home” order has been issued for Greensboro, High Point and Guilford County, effective 5 p.m. Friday. A similar order was issued earlier in Durham and in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The order is designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus as North Carolina confirms its second death from the pandemic.

City leaders said the order is to keep residents at home, avoiding normal day-to-day activities, business and trips beyond what is needed to take care of essential services and activities. Residents are allowed to go to grocery stores, pharmacies, health care appointments, and outdoor exercise while maintaining proper social distancing. Restaurants are also permitted to offer take-out and delivery service.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported the state’s first two COVID-19 associated deaths Tuesday as the state toll surpassed 500 cases.