March 17. By Dave Yochum. It’s a balance: On the one hand, restaurant employees need their pay; on the other hand people need to be safe.

Gov. Cooper is expected to announce that he is closing restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allows them to continue takeout and delivery orders. President Trump says we are at war.

It’s taking place here, one battle at a time.

Last night Mayor Woody Washam praised Galway Hooker for deciding to shut down for one of the most important days in the world of Irish pubs: St. Patrick’s Day. Harp & Crown announced it was closing prior to the governor’s mandate, good citizenship on the part of businesses that need revenue not just to pay employees, but to pay rent, payroll taxes and insurance—none of which really stop during the coronavirus shut-down.

The economy is shutting down, but the rates of new cases—and deaths—are falling in China. (See chart below.)

Mayor Woody Washam said procedures are in place to react to the “ever-changing” crisis here.

“I encourage our citizens to remain vigilant in following all guidelines and mandates. Please pay attention to our media outlets and be proactive. Be responsive to your friends and neighbors and check on them,” he said.

Better times will return, but it will take time.

Starbucks on West Catawba has closed its sit-down conversation areas, inside and outside, but the drive-in and walk-up are open.

The drive-in and walk-up windows are also open at Bruster’s where owner Stuart Modeen said this past weekend was “brutal,” although Monday was almost back to normal.

His advice for business owners: “Stay positive, things are going to get better.” Track the virus globally here.

Oddly enough, the open air buffet at Harris Teeter on Jetton remains open.

But it’s sad to see Cornelius shutting down. West Catawba is quiet but both the Teeter and Publix are busy. There are eggs at Publix, but, as of 10:30 am, there were virtually no paper products at either store.

The sound of jets flying over Cornelius is largely gone, one sign that demand has collapsed for business and services large and small.

Truist, formerly BB&T, has launched the Truist Cares initiative, a pledge of $25 million for basic needs, medical supplies and financial hardship across the nation.

Park Avenue Properties, a residential property management firm, has suspended all showings of occupied properties so that “unknown people are prohibited from touring someone else’s home even with a Realtor present.”

CMS is distributing free grab-and-go meals from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 70 schools.

North Meck and Hopewell High Schools are the closest. Adults should stay in the car as a staff member distributes meals based on the number of children 18 and younger. CMS is closed at least through March 27.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in Cornelius—and all others branches—will close at 5 pm today until further notice. All programs, services, outreach activities, and meeting room reservations have been cancelled

Great Clips in Jetton Village has given a cut and trim to their hours, but the store remains open—for now.

The Mattamy Homes development meeting at Town Hall has been cancelled

Social distancing works.

The mayor is urging Cornelius residents to do it. Bragging about being brave and supporting small business by having a $5 beer at a local joint is so last Saturday.

If you think you might have the virus, Novant has a free online self-assessment tool. Novant will open a triage tent tomorrow at 16525 Hollycrest in Huntersville tomorrow. People who have no symptoms will not be screened and should stay home.

Elective surgeries rescheduled.

Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Novant Health are rescheduling non-essential surgeries, procedures and ambulatory appointments, effective Wednesday, March 18. Any emergency and essential services will continue uninterrupted. Rescheduling these appointments will minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 among patients, visitors and healthcare providers. It also allows each healthcare system to conserve critical resources and focus care on those that need it most.

Here is a snapshot of the coronavirus worldwide (Source: Worldometers)