What you need to know about COVID-19 in Charlotte NC, Mecklenburg County
Overview
North Carolina will remain in Phase 2 of reopening through Labor Day. Charlotte will host a scaled-back Republican National Convention.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will not hold in-person classes.
Data in the Charlotte region show improving COVID-19 trends, including a lower positivity rate, fewer hospitalizations and declining new cases.
Social distancing
- Masks are required in public in North Carolina. In Charlotte, police enforce restrictions at local businesses.
Some parts of Mecklenburg County have additional alcohol sale limitations beyond Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order.
Bars, arcades and other businesses are ordered to remain closed. Gathering exceptions exist for churches and other First Amendment activities.
Business and facilities
Many businesses are reopened. Some state parks, greenways and boat ramps have reopened.
Schools are closed for the remainder of the year statewide. CMS leaders say they were facing staffing shortages.
Restaurants are open for takeout and delivery, with limited in-person dining; grocery stores, pharmacies and malls are open.
Events
Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order prohibits most gatherings of more than 10 people.
Most events and entertainment venues are closed under the state’s stay-at-home order. Banks, post offices and drive-in theaters remained open.
Widespread testing and contact tracing with occur with the RNC.
Healthcare status
Hospitalizations have decreased. Mecklenburg Health Department reports improving trends in cases, the percent positive of tests and other key metrics.
Charlotte-based hospitals and others in NC have begun scheduling surgeries again.
State officials continue efforts to obtain more personal protective equipment to protect health care workers; shortages remain an issue statewide.
Schools
All NC had an option of partial or full remote learning. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, schools will hold class online.
Many college and university campuses are holding in-person class and allowing students to move back into dorms. Queens University and Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte will hold only virtual courses.
How to give help
How to help Charlotte-area organizations focused on coronavirus aid.
How to get help
NC residents in need of assistance due to coronavirus-related challenges can reach out to NC 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 or by texting COVIDNC to 898211.
Families in need of food assistance can locate drive-thru or pick-up meal sites through No Kid Hungry North Carolina or by texting FOODNC to 877-877.
Public Transport
Charlotte light rail and buses have reduced routes and are temporarily free.
Updated: August 11, 2020
This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 10:58 AM.