North Carolina § 66-470 - Essential businesses; emergency response entities; liability limitation.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 66-470 — Essential businesses; emergency response entities; liability limitation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 66-470. Essential businesses; emergency response entities; liability limitation.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to G.S. 66-471, the following entities shall have immunity from civil liability: An essential business that provides goods or services in this State with respect to claims from any customer or employee for any injuries or death alleged to have been caused as a result of the customer or employee contracting COVID-19 while doing business with or while employed by the essential business. An emergency response entity with respect to claims from any customer, user, or consumer for any injuries or death alleged to have been caused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or while doing business with the emergency response entity. The immunity from civil liability provided in this section shall not apply if the injuries or death were caused by an act or omission of the essential business or emergency response entity constituting gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or intentional infliction of harm. This section does not preclude an employee of an essential business or emergency response entity from seeking an appropriate remedy under Chapter 97 of the General Statues for any injuries or death alleged to have been caused as a result of the employee contracting COVID-19 while employed by the essential business or emergency response entity. History (2020-3, s. 4.14(a).) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2020-3, s. 4.14(b), made this Article effective May 4, 2020, and applicable to claims filed on or after March 27, 2020. Session Laws 2020-3, s. 4.14(a) enacted this section as G.S. 66-460. It has been renumbered as G.S. 66-470 at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes. Session Laws 2020-3, s. 5, is a severability clause.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 66-470
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 66-470 cover?
Section 66-470 ("Essential businesses; emergency response entities; liability limitation.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 66-470?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 66-470" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 66-470 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.