Mecklenburg Coronavirus Update: Restrictions Begin To Loosen

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — Novel coronavirus has led to at least 44 deaths in Mecklenburg County as the number of confirmed cases rose to 1,567, state public health officials said Wednesday. The development comes as the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, continues to rise throughout the state, with cases present in all but two of the state's 100 counties.

Mecklenburg County amended and extended until May 8 its stay-at-home order, which was stricter than statewide orders and slated to expire Wednesday. The new order aligns the county with policies put in place for the state by Gov. Roy Cooper. County officials have lifted some original restrictions, such as vehicle access to county parks, however there is still a ban for gatherings of 10 or more people.

The new order offers greater flexibility for certain businesses, such as car dealerships, book stores and furniture stores, and allowed retail stores to reopen with curbside pickup, The Charlotte Observer reported. And while mass gatherings of 10 or more are still restricted, funerals will now be allowed to have up to 50 attendees.

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According to Mecklenburg County officials, essential businesses now include:

• Defense and military contractors that develop products, processes, equipment, technology, and related services that serve the United States military, national defense, and national security interests.
• 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.
• 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. Gatherings may not exceed 10 people.
• Insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services.
• Real estate services including brokerage, appraisal and title services.
• Automobile dealers.

Aligning the county with Cooper's order will reduce confusion, one county official said.

“I think the governor’s plan is more than adequate,” Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham told the newspaper. “I think it will reduce the confusion, and the result of that is people will follow the order better than they have.”

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation announced Wednesday that parking lots for parks, greenways and nature preserves would reopen for vehicles April 30. Boat ramps at Cooperhead Island, Ramsey Creek and Blythe Landing will also reopen.

Tennis courts will reopen, and players are urged to follow social distancing protocols. If social distancing is not possible, players are urged to wear a mask.

Still closed, however, are park playgrounds, sports courts, restrooms and fields for group sports.

"High contact sports like basketball, soccer and volleyball as well as softball/baseball are not permitted," county parks officials said.

The death toll for the state increased by 12 new deaths by Wednesday morning, putting the statewide total at 354, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which said that at least 9,948 cases have been confirmed in the state.

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