Counties: Wake: 17, Durham: 12, Mecklenburg: 14, Harnett: 4, Chatham: 3, Forsyth: 2, Johnston: 2, Brunswick: 1, Cabarrus: 1, Craven: 1, Guilford: 1, Iredell: 1, Lincoln: 1, Sampson: 1, Wayne: 1, Wilson: 1, Onslow: 1, Watauga: 1
March 18. Virtually all small businesses are between a rock and a hard place as much of the country braces for a crisis on the order of World War II. John Zaravelis, owner of Big Bite’z in Cornelius, said business is down dramatically, but he is open for business, with takeout options through ordinary pickup or Doordash. (See restaurant round-up below.)
John Zaravelis: Big Bite’z and many other restaurants are open
”The parking lot is empty, look at it,” he lamented. Three doors down, Gold’s Gym is shut down, as are Dragon Buffet and Savvy Salon.
Please be careful
The hot food and cold food bars were still open at Harris Teeter on Old Jetton this afternoon. How long that lasts is anybody’s guess, but it’s clearly not a good idea, despite the clear sneeze guards in place. No one knows exactly how long the coronavirus can survive on a hard surface, let alone cold—or warm. Dr. Mike Miltich, a Cornelius Town Commissioner, said he would avoid food bars because of the possibility of contamination.
Shelter in place?
The Mecklenburg county health director has stated that it’s possible that we will soon be told to shelter in place. “There was no timeline or probability offered—just a caution to our folks so that they can take that possibility seriously starting now,” says NC Sen Jeff Jackson of Mecklenburg County.
Mecklenburg’s public health director does have the independent legal authority to call for our county to shelter in place. The state’s approval would not be necessary.
Town Hall closed to public
Effective this Friday, all Town facilities will be closed to the public to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. This includes Town Hall, the Police Station, all fire stations, the Animal Shelter and the Cornelius Arts Center. All departments will continue to provide as many of the normal services as possible.
Case load grows
In the past 24 hours, there has been a 40 percent increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in NC. As of this morning, there were 63 cases in NC, spanning 18 counties, including 14 in Mecklenburg County.
Gov. Cooper has mandated that no gatherings of 100 people; the CDC says 50; and President Trump says avoid gatherings of more than 10 people for the next 15 days.”The best thing to do right now is to practice social distancing and only leave your home when necessary,” says NC Sen. Natasha Marcus, who also represents Mecklenburg County.
Call ahead
For those that have flu or cold-like symptoms, please call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency department to prevent the possible spreading of COVID-19.
Funerals are affected
Death is a fact of life. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church says they will not have a funeral or any other large gathering of people until the crisis subsides. Graveside service for immediate family are taking places; Memorial services are occurring at a later—undetermined—time.
Cable TV bill
Continuum/TDS customers who are directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic will remain connected and late fees will be suspended for at least the next 60 days.
Restaurant Update (Source: Visit Lake Norman)
