DURHAM, N.C. – Durham Mayor Steve Schewel has announced a stay at home order on Wednesday in order to help prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

The order will go into effect at 6 p.m Thursday and will stay in effect until April 30; however, the date could possibly change.

The order primarily prevents people from gathering in groups of more than 10 people.

Only essential businesses can stay open, including health and safety, and at-home services.

For example, restaurants can only stay open for takeout or delivery.

And, while people are allowed to go outside to get exercise, they are discouraged from participating in sports other than golf or tennis.

City and county leaders previously declared a State of Emergency earlier this month.

Last week, they announced that city facilities, including parks, were to be closed to the public.

Durham has one of the highest number of coronavirus cases in the state.

Officials have also said there is evidence of a community spread of the virus, meaning there is at least one case in which a patient has not been to a highly impacted area and is also unaware of contact with anyone else who has been infected.