MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C.  — Officials say the current county stay-at-home proclamation will transition to the state order at midnight on April 29. The move will also place the county under the plan's three-phased approach to reopening N.C. 

“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.”

Transitioning to the statewide order will also allow some businesses who were closed under the county order to reopen. 

You can read the North Carolina order, which was recently extended through May 8, below:

Executive Order 121 by Justin on Scribd

 The new county order can be viewed here. Below is also a list of what will now be allowed in Mecklenburg County under the state under:

  • Businesses operating in CISA identified sectors. Businesses, not-for-profit organizations or educational institutions operating in the federal critical infrastructure sectors as outlined here.
  • 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.

The new order was signed Wednesday by County Commission Chairman George Dunlap, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and the mayors of the county’s six towns.

In addition to opening additional businesses, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will also reopen boat ramps and parks to vehicles. State parks however, will remain closed.

“Based on the data we see right now, we believe this is the right thing to do to begin reopening,” says County Manager Dena Diorio. “Having the city and towns together and consistent helps the public better understand what they can and can’t do.”