Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte, NC have issued a 'Stay at Home Order' beginning Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 8 a.m. in order to further combat the spread of the Coronavirus. The 'Stay at Home Order' will last until April 16, 2020.

If people don’t follow the stay at home order, then you could be cited or jailed on a misdemeanor violation. You cannot go to work if it is not essential, you cannot visit a friend unless it is an urgent need, you cannot travel unless it is for essential activities.

This move is unprecedented and some may consider it unnecessary or over the top.

Just yesterday on March 23, the governor ordered barbershops, movie theaters, salons, massage parlors etc. to close.

The 2020 Olympic games have been cancelled, postponed until 2021 due to the Coronavirus.

Mecklenburg’s order was signed by all the local mayors, the county commission chair, the county manager, and the city manager.

Essential business operations include:

• Grocery store
• Food, beverage, agriculture
• Media
• Charities
• Gas stations
• Banks
• Hardware & supply stores
• Mail
• Laundry
• Restaurants with take-out or delivery
• Childcare centers

Things you will be able to do:

• Go to pharmacy, doctor, grocery store, restaurant for take-out or drive-thru
• Care for friend or family member
• Go outside for exercise with 6 feet from others
• Receive deliveries from any delivery business