Coronavirus

‘Parade of lights’ honors Charlotte hospital workers’ ‘relentless dedication’

In what they called a “parade of lights,” Mecklenburg County first responders drove in procession past hospitals near uptown Charlotte Wednesday afternoon to thank healthcare workers for their dedication during the coronavirus crisis.

Responders flashed their lights and sounded their sirens as they passed Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health Mercy and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Workers went outside and cheered.

The responders had cleared their plans with the hospital systems so no medical services would be interrupted.

To comply with Mecklenburg County’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order, the procession was closed to the public. Media were invited to film from the hospitals and were urged to follow social distancing recommendations made by public health officials.

“Charlotte and Mecklenburg County first responders want our healthcare partners to know we appreciate and admire their relentless dedication to the community during this unprecedented time,” the first responders said in a media statement released by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 5:01 PM.

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Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
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