RALEIGH, N.C (AP) - The North Carolina General Assembly postponed on Thursday government oversight committee meetings and cancelled student tours for at least three weeks as precautionary measures against coronavirus.
Top staff for legislative leaders released directives that should lessen foot traffic dramatically at the Legislative Building complex through the end of March.
Committee meetings and school group visits will be discontinued until April 1 at the earliest, while legislative assistants or other employees can work from home during a similar period if there’s agreement with lawmakers or supervisors.
“The work of the people does not stop or end during a crisis, and the General Assembly will remain operational throughout this period,” Senate leader Phil Berger said in an emailed statement.
Additional guidance will be provided as April 1 approaches to determine whether the restrictions should remain in place. The April 28 start of the annual General Assembly session remains unchanged, Berger added.
Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore said the legislature is keeping apprised of the state’s response to the virus outbreak and stand ready to help with potential policy or financial needs.
Gov. Roy Cooper said on Thursday his administration is assembling recommendations now for state and federal financial assistance.
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