MURPHY, N.C.  – In a May 6 executive order, Murphy Mayor David Ramsey lifted several previous restrictions to ensure accordance with Gov. Roy Cooper’s Phase One order.

Recreational basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, and pickleball courts located at Konehete Park can open as of 5 p.m. on May 8. These areas have been closed since March 23.

However, all playground equipment, rock gym, and playground areas within city limits and at Konehete Park will remain closed.

People engaging in outdoor activities must maintain social distancing of six feet and mass gatherings of more than ten people are still prohibited by the state of N.C.

Religious services are exempt from the 10 people rule but should take place outside unless impossible.

Short-term rentals and lodgings can begin taking new reservations and accepting guests on Friday as well.

Finally, any non-resident of Murphy is no longer required to self-quarantine for 14 days once arriving at their second home.

The State of Emergency continues to exist in Murphy and the order issued on March 20 is still in place. As a result, the pedestrian curfew between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. is still in effect. It doesn’t apply to employees or customers who are traveling between business and car or vehicle traffic. Offenders are subject to a fine of $100 at most or up to 20 days in jail.

Read the entire order here.

For more information about restrictions being eased in Phase One, click here.