It will not for a statewide shelter-in-place order, at least according to guidance from the N.C. Department of Public Safety (DPS). 

However, each local order is different and each jurisdiction will direct its law enforcement officers and public health officials to enforce shelter-in-place orders possibly in very different ways.  

The State DPS maintains a Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC) that coordinates how and when a business' employees can travel within a declared disaster area.  Ward and Smith obtained guidance from the BEOC and it is available here. 

The guidance provides that re-entry certificates "are ONLY relevant when there are restrictions on movement, such as in the case of a curfew imposed by local officials . . . . Thus, these Re-entry Certificates are ONLY needed in local jurisdictions that have imposed curfews or other specific restrictions on movement. Decisions about entry/re-entry are the authority of local governments."  In addition, the guidance states that "[a] Re-entry Certificate is not necessary or relevant to keeping a business open in the event of a 'Stay at Home' Order by the state or a local government" and that "[a] Re-entry certificate is not relevant or necessary for movement between your home and place of business."

To say that the COVID-19 virus has created an environment of uncertainty may be the understatement of the year.  With that uncertainty comes a great deal of speculation and questions.  For example, many counties such as Wake, Mecklenburg, Pitt, and Orange have issued stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders.  The City of Durham similarly issued a stay-at-home order.  Each order is unique and has slightly different rules and requirements, all intended to keep the residents of those localities, and healthcare workers, safe and healthy while reducing the spread of COVID-19.

You might think that the only way to answer these questions is to check with the specific city and county where you live and where your business is located.  What if, for example, you live in a county with no current restrictions while your business operates in a county currently under a stay-at-home order?  We have found  that cities and counties are overwhelmed by the public health crisis.  Many are simply unable to provide specific guidance to each business.  Therefore, businesses themselves are left trying to figure out how they are impacted.  Consulting with an attorney may be the best way to determine how a stay-home or shelter-in-place order impacts you and your business.    

Accordingly, businesses should consult the recent guidance from the BEOC. Businesses should also pay close attention to city and county restrictions, seek guidance from elected officials, and talk to experienced legal counsel to determine if their business operations are affected.