In response to the spread of COVID-19, Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and other municipalities in the county have issued a “stay at home” order that goes into effect on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. The order will remain in force for three weeks and may be extended based on recommendations from public health officials. 

The Mecklenburg County order permits residents to leave home to provide or receive essential services or engage in essential activities and to work for essential businesses or government services. Below are the highlights of the order.

• Generally, public and private gatherings of more than 10 people are banned.

• Individuals may leave home for five types of activities that are considered essential: for health and safety, to get necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activities, for work for essential businesses and operations, and to take care of others.

• A number of businesses and type of work are considered essential under the order, including these:
  • Healthcare, public health, law enforcement, public safety, and first responders
  • Energy
  • Water and wastewater
  • Public works
  • Communication and information technology
  • Media
  • Financial institutions
  • Critical trades, including building and construction
  • Transportation
  • Professional services, including legal, accounting, insurance, and real estate
  • Manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain
  • Critical manufacturing

• Travel related to the provision of or access to essential activities, essential government services, essential business and operations, or minimum basic operations is permitted.

• Any violation will be a Class 2 misdemeanor.