SMITHFIELD – On Friday, March 27, 2020, Governor Cooper announced Executive Order 121, ordering North Carolinians to remain in their homes except for performing essential work. This order is effective Monday, March 30, 2020, at 5pm and will last for 30 days.
The Smithfield Police Department urges its residents and business owners to follow this order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We here at the Police Department understand the potential impact of this quarantine, not to mention additional stress in these uncertain times. The health and wellbeing of the people of Smithfield and the employees of the Town are paramount during this historical event and remains one of our top concerns.
While our local communities have been fortunate to have not experienced the chaotic scenes or widespread transmission of the COVID-19 virus as seen in other cities throughout the United States and the world. We want to keep things that way and we highly encourage residents and businesses to adhere to Order 121 to not only keep themselves safe, but their neighbors, first responders and medical staff safe as well.
The Smithfield Police Department remains open and is conducting our daily duties and responsibilities as usual. To request non-emergency assistance from the Smithfield Police Department for POLICE RELATED BUSINESS please call (919) 934-9411. As always, for all emergencies please dial 911. If you have a general question or need to make a request for a copy of a police report, please call (919) 934-2121 we will be happy to email a copy of a report and answer questions we are qualified to answer.
What are you allowed to do and not allowed to do under the Governors Executive Order:
What is allowed:
- Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
- Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
- Visit a health care professional for medical services (call before you travel)
- Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
- Care for or support a friend or family member
- Take a walk, ride your bike, jog and be in nature for exercise keep at least six feet between you and others
- Walk your pets and take them to veterinarian, if necessary
- Receive deliveries from any business which delivers
What is not allowed?
- Going to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by the Order
- Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
- Maintain less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out
- Travel except for essential travel and activities
- Participating in activities where more then 10 people are present
- Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions as provided on the facility websites
Click Here For A List Of “Frequently Asked Questions” About The Executive Order
The Smithfield Police Department will be working with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office if any obviously egregious violations of the Governors Order take place. If probable cause exists that a violation of any City Ordinance or State Law to include the Governor’s Executive Order a Sworn Law Enforcement Officer can file formal criminal charges against the violator(s).
All of us here at the Smithfield Police Department want all of our citizens to stay safe and remain healthy as we work together to get though this troubling time.
Smithfield Police Department News Release
