At midnight tonight, Mecklenburg County's Stay at Home Proclamation moves under North Carolina's Order and that plan's three-phased approach to reopen the state.
"The way to keep COVID-19 from spreading remains the same," says Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris. "We must continue to stay socially distanced, wear masks when you can't, and only go out when it's necessary to work, get food or exercise."
The North Carolina Order allows some businesses that were closed under Mecklenburg County's Order to be open under State rules, which are scheduled to remain in place until May 8.
The new County order is here, and a complete list of what's now allowed in Mecklenburg County according to the state order is listed below:
- Businesses operating in CISA identified sectors. Businesses, not-for-profit organizations or educational institutions operating in the federal critical infrastructure sectors as outlined at https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19.
- Religious entities. Religious facilities, entities, groups, gatherings, including funerals. Also, services, counseling, pastoral care, and other activities provided by religious organizations to the members of their faith community. All of these functions (with the exception of funerals) are subject to the mass gathering restriction of no more than 10 people.
- A funeral home can continue to conduct business to assist clients with funeral arrangements. Funerals are time-sensitive events and may not have more than 50 people and participants should practice social distancing.
- Auto sales/automobile dealers/shipping of vehicles to end users or through commercial channels.
- Insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services.
- Professional services including professional and architectural services, land surveying services, real estate services (including brokerage, appraisal and title services) and tax preparation services.
- Landscaping.
- Additional COVID-19 Essential Retail Businesses are:
- Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology;
- Lawn and garden equipment retailers;
- Book stores that sell educational material;
- Retail functions of gas stations and convenience stores;
- Retail located within healthcare facilities.
For more information about what is allowed see the North Carolina order FAQ.
County Commission Chairman George Dunlap, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and the mayors of the County's six towns are signing the order today.
In addition to allowing additional businesses to reopen, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is also reopening boat ramps and parks to vehicles. State parks remain closed for now.
"Based on the data we see right now, we believe this is the right thing to do to begin reopening," says County Manager Dena R. Diorio. "Having the City and towns together and consistent helps the public better understand what they can and can't do."
The State plan calls for Phase 1 to begin after May 8 if new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to trend downward.
Phase 2 would go into effect two weeks later and eases restrictions even more. Phase 3 would follow that and is scheduled to end June 19 at the earliest unless additional outbreaks change the situation.