Meck County’s Public Health Directive expires Friday: What that means for you

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Mecklenburg County’s COVID-19 Public Health Directive aimed at preventing further spread of COVID-19 will expire Friday evening.

The Directive was announced and went into effect on Jan. 12. It was initially set to expire on Feb. 2 but was extended due to virus trends moving in the wrong direction. It is now set to expire Friday at 5 p.m.

The decision follows Gov. Roy Cooper’s decision to lift the statewide curfew and ease other COVID-19 restrictions outlined in Executive Order 195, which also begins on Friday.

Harris and Mecklenburg County Medical Director Dr. Meg Sullivan held a news conference where they gave an update on the directive and the county’s COVID-19 metrics.

According to Harris, the county is seeing improvements in COVID-19 trends on a regular basis. The number of cases, percent positivity rate, hospitalizations and the number of outbreaks have all declined. The county is also seeing a reduction in the need for testing.

“Thanks to our community’s commitment to following the Directive and the prevention measures necessary to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19, our metrics have started to improve,” said Public Health Director Gibbie Harris. “While the number of cases has decreased and vaccine has become available, that does not mean we are out of the woods yet. Everyone must continue to practice the 3 Ws and avoid gatherings with individuals they do not live with to continue the improvement in metrics and keep our community healthy and safe.”

According to Sullivan, the county has administered over 40,000 doses of the COVID vaccine through Mecklenburg County Public Health, including almost 25,000 first doses and over 15,000 second doses.

On Monday, Mecklenburg County services will resume at the level prior to the Directive, which includes resumption of County Park and Recreation outdoor services. All outdoor Park and Recreation facilities will be accessible for use under normal hours including lighted facilities.

“I know it’s tempting just as as things are opening up to just get back out and enjoy life as much as you can and I appreciate that but at the same time, we want this to be sustainable, which means we’ve got to continue to be cautious,” Harris said.

The end of the Directive means:

1. You should continue to practice the 3 Ws - wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, wash your hands.

2. Limit gatherings with people outside your household until most people are vaccinated.

3. Quarantine and get tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.

4. Get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.

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Cox Media Group