Mecklenburg County Updates

For the most up-to-date information from Mecklenburg County Public Health, please visit the county's COVID-19 webpage here.

On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, a joint proclamation issued by the Chairman of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners and the Mayor of the City of Charlotte mandates all people—vaccinated and unvaccinated—to wear face coverings in any indoor public place, business, or establishment within the City of Charlotte and the unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County. This requirement applies to all individuals who are at least five years of age. The mandate is in effect from Wednesday, August 18 at 5:00 p.m. through September 1 unless it is rescinded earlier or terminated. For more information about the City of Charlotte mandate, including FAQs, click here.

Effective August 28, 2021, a public health rule will require all people countywide to wear face coverings in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status. The new rule mandates that face coverings must be worn in any indoor public place, business, or establishment within Mecklenburg County, regardless of vaccination status. This requirement applies to all individuals who are at least 5 years of age in all areas of the County, including all towns and the City of Charlotte. The rule will expire based on metrics- a decline in the positivity rate to 5% for thirty (30) days where the community transmission rate is not in the high or substantial level, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the transmission in the County drops below the substantial level, the Public Health Director will recommend that the rule be suspended. Read the full rule here.

For more information, please see the Mecklenburg County's news update page HERE. 

In addition:

• Mecklenburg County Public Health urges everyone 12 years of age and older to get vaccinated.
• Everyone should continue to wash their hands often with soap and water.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.  

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Mecklenburg County’s COVID-19 Public Health Directive will expire Friday, Feb. 26 at 5:00 p.m. The Directive was announced and became effective January 12.  

The decision follows the Governor’s announcement and decision to lift the statewide curfew and ease other COVID-19 restrictions outlined in Executive Order 195.  

“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.” 

 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.   

 More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at www.MeckNC.gov/COVID-19 or by calling the Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 980-314-9400.  

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On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH) announced that MCPH will be opening additional appointments for the first three weeks of February for Groups 1 and 2 based on anticipated vaccine supply. Appointments will be available for scheduling beginning Jan. 21 at 8:30 a.m.

Earlier this month, Public Health updated its vaccination plan to align with new federal and state recommendations (as recommended by current guidelines). Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, the vaccine distribution is being rolled out in phases.

Group 1 includes healthcare workers with current in-person patient contact and long-term care staff and residents.

Group 2 includes anyone 65 years or older, regardless of health status or living situation.

Public Health is opening February appointments for the first dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine for Groups 1 and 2 based on the anticipated vaccine supply.

Instructions for making appointments are available at MeckNC.gov/COVID-19.

Eligible Group 1 and 2 members may make a first dose appointment online at https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/83g1hcpv/. Please read the appointment instructions carefully.

Phone appointments may be made by calling 980-314-9400 and selecting Option 3. If you leave a message MCPH will attempt to return the call within 24-48 business hours.

If unable to secure an appointment right away, residents are encouraged to continue to check for updates. As more vaccines are made available, additional appointment times will be made available. Updates will continue to be made at MeckNC.gov/COVID-19.

MCPH wants to encourage residents ages 65+ to reach out to their primary care providers (if available) to discuss options for receiving the vaccine. Atrium Health and Novant Health are offering vaccines to eligible patients in Groups 1 and 2 by appointment.

MCPH COVID-19 Vaccine clinics are being held at held at Bojangles' Coliseum, 2700 East Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205. Appointments are required for all eligible recipients.

Mecklenburg County residents who need assistance with transportation to vaccine appointments, should contact the Mecklenburg Transportation System at: 980-314-7600.

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As the number of COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County continues to grow at an exponential rate – from an average of 100 cases per day in September, to an average of 900 cases per day in mid-January – Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris issued a specific directive for the people of Mecklenburg County for the next three weeks, beginning January 12, 2021. The Directive is effective immediately and will remain in effect for the next three weeks, until February 2, 2021.

The Directive instructs individuals in Mecklenburg County to take several immediate actions including (but not limited to):

1. Only leave your home for essential activities and remain at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless an exception as set forth in the Governor's Executive Order 
2. Utilize full-virtual options for work, school and any other activity where in-person activity is not required.
3. Avoid leaving your home if you are over 65 or at high-risk for developing serious illness.
4. Avoid any non-essential travel.
5. Avoid gathering with individuals that you do not live with.
6. WEAR a cloth face covering, WAIT 6 feet apart and avoid close contact, and WASH your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
7. Quarantine and get tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.
8. Answer the call and participate in contact tracing to protect against further spread if you receive a call or text from Mecklenburg County Public Health.
9. Get a flu shot and get the get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.

A full list of immediate actions individuals should take is available here.

More information about the COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County and the COVID-19 vaccine is available at www.MeckNC.gov/COVID-19 or by calling the Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 980-314-9400. 

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On October 2, 2020, Mecklenburg County moved to Phase 3 with the rest of the State of North Carolina. The county plans to remain in Phase 3 for the remainder of Governor Cooper's executive orders. 

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Mecklenburg County, in conjunction with the City of Charlotte and the towns of Davidson, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville, announced a joint proclamation with additional business restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions go into effect on Thursday, July 23, 2020 and will remain in effect while North Carolina remains in Phase Two of the state’s “Stay Safer at Home” Order that is currently effective until August 7, 2020. You may find the joint proclamation here.

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As of May 22, 2020 at 5 p.m. Mecklenburg County has entered Phase 2 of reopening with the rest of the State of North Carolina under Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 141.

Mecklenburg County residents are under North Carolina’s Safer At Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions.

• Frequently Asked Questions about  Phase 2
• The Three Ws: WEAR a face covering, WAIT six feet apart, and WASH your hands often.
• To learn more about N.C. Safer at Home Phase 2, call 211.

Follow the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for statewide information and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for national and international information.

As a reminder, for the latest, most up-to-date information, visit the Mecklenburg County Public Health website here.

Town of Davidson Updates

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, along with restrictions and vaccine information, the Town of Davidson aligns its ongoing policies with recommendations from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH).

August 19, 2021 - Interim Mask Mandate Effective Immediately

The Town of Davidson Board of Commissioners met virtually tonight to discuss implementing an interim mask mandate until Mecklenburg County’s policy takes effect later this month on August 28, 2021. The board voted unanimously in favor of a temporary mandate for facial coverings in all public indoor settings that will take effect immediately as of Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The town mandate will remain in effect until Mecklenburg County’s health directive supersedes it later next week, at which point the Town of Davidson’s mandate expires.

Read the Proclamation of a State of Emergency here.

Read the Mecklenburg County Board of Health Rule here.

Town of Davidson Moves to Virtual Meetings, Offers Virtual Public Comment

Given the current COVID-19 conditions in the broader community, the Town of Davidson has also decided to move to virtual Board of Commissioners and Advisory Board meetings. In accordance, the board will meet virtually for its next meeting on August 24, 2021, and video will be available on the town’s website and YouTube channel.

January 26, 2021- We're all in this together, Davidson!

October 2, 2020 - NC Moves to Phase 3 Today at 5pm

Earlier this week, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina will further ease restrictions and also continue implementing safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 in our state. Phase 3 becomes effective at 5pm today, October 2, 2020, and remains in effect until Friday, October 23, 2020 at 5pm. Both Governor Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, urged North Carolinians to stay vigilant, as the state's numbers are stable, but our position remains fragile. 

Read the full press release from the Governor’s Office.

Read the Executive Order.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions.

You may view the full message from the Town of Davidson here.

September 22, 2020 - Fall Town of Davidson Events Update

As we now enter a new season for 2020, the Town of Davidson continues to balance the evolving situation with COVID-19 with the desire to gather as a community for some of our favorite annual events. Until October 2, 2020, North Carolina remains in Phase 2.5 which limits outdoor gatherings to 50 people. This restriction, along with the unpredictability of COVID-19 and potential moves to subsequent phases, makes it impractical to plan mass gatherings for the next couple of months. 

Read more here.

September 3, 2020- NC Moves into a Phase 2.5 on Friday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, September 1, Governor Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), provided an update on the state’s data trends related to several COVID-19 key metrics. Due to encouraging stabilization of specific indicators over the last several weeks, Governor Cooper announced the state would be moving into a modified “Safer at Home” Phase 2.5 beginning this Friday, September 4, 2020 through October 2, 2020.

Read the full press release from the Governor’s Office. 

Read the Executive Order.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions.

For information about how this impacts the Town of Davidson and its residents, please click here.

August 7, 2020 - Town Manager Jamie Justice Provides Davidson COVID-19 Update

Davidson’s Town Manager Jamie Justice provides residents with a brief update on COVID-19 in light of Governor Cooper’s announcement earlier this week extending Phase 2 "Safer at Home" until mid-September.

Watch his video here or by clicking below!

For the latest, local health information about COVID-19, visit the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department website here.

For information about Davidson’s local businesses and the town COVID-19 efforts, please visit our website at townofdavidson.org.

July 22, 2020 - Davidson Adopts New Late-Night Alcohol Restrictions, Event Cancellations

Mecklenburg County, in conjunction with the City of Charlotte and the towns of Davidson, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville, announced a joint proclamation with additional business restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions go into effect tomorrow after it is posted on MeckNC.gov, and the towns’ websites. (HERE.) It will remain in effect while North Carolina remains in Phase Two of the state’s “Stay Safer at Home” Order that is currently effective until August 7, 2020. 

For the full message, click here.

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Last week, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina would remain in Phase 2 of its reopening plan until at least August 7, 2020. During Phase 2, outdoor gatherings are still limited to 25 people. This restriction, along with the continued unpredictability and active community spread of COVID-19 in our area, makes it impractical to plan mass gatherings for the rest of the summer.

Accordingly, the Town of Davidson has canceled the following events:

All remaining Concerts on the Green and Concerts at the Circle:

• August 2 - 20 Ride
• August 15 - Chunky Daddy
• August 23 - Gospelfest
• September 6 - The Legacy Motown Revue
• September 19 - L.A. Maybe
• September 20 - The Davidson College Symphony & Jazz Ensemble
• October 17 - Rusty Knox/Carolina Soul Band

The following events will also be canceled:

• National Night Out - August 4
• Davidson Connections- August 6
• Davidson Connections - September 3

Several events, including board of commissioner meetings, advisory board meetings, public hearings, and community meetings, will continue to occur virtually. Information on these events will be posted at the Town of Davidson website at www.townofdavidson.org. 

June 26, 2020 - North Carolina’s Phase 2 Safer at Home Extended, New requirement to wear face coverings added

On Wednesday, June 24, 2020, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 147 which outlines the extension of the North Carolina Safer at Home Phase 2 Order as well as additional measures to protect lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the continued increase in North Carolina’s daily case counts of COVID-19, the percent of positive COVID-19 tests, and the increase in hospitalizations for COVID-19, Phase 2 will remain in effect until Friday, July 17, 2020 at 5:00p.m. In addition to extending Phase 2, North Carolina Executive Order 147 issues new requirements to wear face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This requirement goes into effect today, Friday, June 26, 2020 at 5:00pm. Read the rest of the message here.

June 18, 2020 - A Message from Davidson’s Board of Commissioners

Dear Davidson Neighbors,

We know many of you have been watching the news over the last few weeks. While our attention has rightfully been turned to racial equity and the Black Lives Matter movement, we can’t forget that we are still in the midst of a nationwide pandemic with COVID-19. While the news from several other states is encouraging, unfortunately, the situation in North Carolina puts us among one of about twenty states with data trending in the wrong direction. Mecklenburg County is an area of concern for state and local health officials, and Davidson is most certainly included in that mix.

Here are a few things we’d like for you to remember:

• PLEASE WEAR A MASK. There’s been a lot of debate and misinformation out there about the effectiveness of the use of masks, but health officials are still recommending that all individuals who can wear a mask do so in public when social distancing is not possible. It is also important to remember to keep six feet of distance between yourself and other individuals when in public, and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. The town has sponsored an awareness campaign reminding residents and visitors of the importance of wearing masks, placed decals on the ground to urge folks to physically distance, and will be installing hand sanitizer stations in high traffic areas around town.
• SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. We’ve got to continue to support our local businesses. The town has added several new benches, tables with attached seating and umbrellas, and more trash and recycling bins. This will enable more residents to grab takeout from one of our great local restaurants and find a good spot to chow down while maintaining social distance and keeping our town clean. We hope you’ll make good use of it all.
• GET TESTED IF YOU HAVE BEEN PROTESTING IN PUBLIC. Mecklenburg County Public Health is recommending that anyone who has been participating in large group protests should seek testing for COVID-19, even if they are asymptomatic. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has developed a testing site locator dashboard you can access here. While there are currently no testing sites listed in Davidson’s city limits, there are several sites nearby, including the CVS at 2002 Shiloh Church Rd in Davidson, Novant Health Urgent Care at 19285 Old Jetton Road #100 in Cornelius, Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care at 9121 Sam Furr Road Suite 108 in Huntersville, and Novant Screening Center at 16525 Holly Crest Lane Suite 120 in Huntersville. The dashboard will continually be updated as more testing sites and information is available. For those who have protested publicly, we have confirmed with the Mecklenburg County Health Department that you CAN say yes that you are part of a high-risk group when filling out the testing form, even if you are asymptomatic. Some test forms will specifically ask if you have been involved in protesting, and you may answer accordingly there if applicable. Residents who have questions about COVID-19 and are seeking testing are still encouraged to speak to their doctor or call Mecklenburg County Public Health’s COVID-19 help line at 980-314-9400.
• BE RESILIENT: This remains a very tough situation for many of us, and we ask for your continued patience and resilience. We’re all doing our best to care for ourselves, our families, and each other. The most recent data shows that Davidson has 44 confirmed cases and 3 deaths, which cannot all be accounted for in congregate care facilities. COVID-19 is truly a crisis for our wider community. Please let us know if there’s a way we can provide support that we may not have already thought of by emailing board@townofdavidson.org.

Next week, Governor Cooper will likely make an announcement regarding the next phase for North Carolina. We expect this decision to be based on data and recommendations from health officials at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. As always, Davidson will continue to work closely with Mecklenburg County and the County’s Public Health Department, and we will make the best decisions we can to protect the health and safety of our town moving forward.

Best,
Mayor Rusty Knox
Commissioner Jane Campbell
Commissioner Jim Fuller
Commissioner Matthew Fort
Commissioner Autumn Rierson-Michael
Commissioner David Sitton

June 9, 2020- Town of Davidson Launches Significant Mask Wearing Effort to Support Public Health in Town

The Town of Davidson announces the launch of its public awareness campaign to encourage residents, business employees, and town visitors alike to wear masks and help protect the public health of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, the Davidson Board of Commissioners called a special meeting to discuss the town’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this meeting, the board decided to strongly recommend that the public use masks in all spaces where social distancing is not possible. To support this effort, the town created a public awareness campaign which includes:

• banners posted in public spaces to remind people of the three Ws (“wear, wait, wash”)
• signage for storefront windows designating that the business requires both employees and customers to wear masks
• decals to help depict proper social distancing spacing on Main Street, and
• car magnets to encourage neighbors to wear masks for the safety of our entire town and all our residents.

Read more here.

May 22, 2020- North Carolina Enters Phase 2 of Reopening Today at 5pm, Safer at Home

Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 141 that outlines what is allowed in North Carolina under Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan. The Order moves North Carolina into a Safer at Home “Phase 2” of easing certain COVID-19 restrictions. The information is subject to change in light of new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance and additional Executive Orders or local government declarations. 

• Phase 2 begins on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 5:00p.m. and remains in place until June 26, 2020, unless changed or cancelled.
• The Order lifts the Stay at Home Order. However, it is important to stay home if you are sick.
• While in public, people should wear a cloth face covering, practice social distancing by waiting six feet apart from others while in public, and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
• High-risk individuals are urged to stay at home and travel only for absolutely essential purposes. The CDC defines high-risk individuals as:
• 
  
  • People 65 years or older; and
  • People of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions, including: people who are immunocompromised or have chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, or liver disease.
• Town of Davidson’s Town Hall and other facilities remain closed to the public at this time.

Read more here.

May 20, 2020 - Town of Davidson Holds Special Meeting Discussing COVID-19 Response

INCREASING CONCERN

The Town of Davidson Board of Commissioners called a special meeting last night to discuss the town’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the threat of the novel coronavirus became apparent in our community, the Town of Davidson has been working under the umbrella of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management and Mecklenburg County Public Health to best address the crisis.  At the end of April, Mecklenburg County and the six towns, including Davidson, shifted from the countywide Stay-at-Home Order to the North Carolina statewide Stay-at-Home Order. On May 8, 2020, the Town of Davidson moved to Phase 1 of reopening under Governor Cooper’s Executive Order, aligning Davidson and the rest of Mecklenburg County with the majority of the State of North Carolina.

With increasing concern about this course of action, the Town of Davidson Board of Commissioners spoke at length during their May 12, 2020 work session about the potential need to enact further restrictions within the town in order to best protect our community. Elected officials charged staff with researching a number of potential options that the board could choose to pursue if they decided to forge a different path from the rest of Mecklenburg County and/or the State of North Carolina. These options were presented and discussed last night at a special board of commissioners meeting called specifically for that purpose.

MASKS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED; TOWN PLANS TO MOVE TO PHASE 2 WITH STATE

The Davidson Board of Commissioners decided to strongly recommend the use of masks by the public in all spaces where social distancing is not possible. The town will begin a public awareness campaign that will include signage posted in many public spaces around town and sharing the message digitally on social media and through the town’s website and email channels. The town board also requested that if businesses decide to require face coverings for employees and patrons, then they should post signage for public notification purposes. The town will also seek to make masks available for those who need them. More details about pick-up locations and their hours will be forthcoming.

As a reminder, whether you are wearing a face mask as encouraged or not, all individuals are also asked to observe social distancing as much as possible and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer often.  This plea is to ensure the safety of our community.

At the meeting, the board of commissioners also indicated that Davidson will follow Mecklenburg County and the State of North Carolina in the move to Phase 2 as recommended by county and state health officials. Further steps will be taken within the Town of Davidson to ensure the health and safety of our residents as much as possible, such as the addition of hand sanitizer stations at various high traffic locations around town, providing businesses with signage to help their customers maintain the important physical distance that keeps the spread of COVID-19 down, and more. The board will continue to monitor the situation closely in order to advocate for the best interests concerning the health and safety of Davidson residents and businesses as the COVID-19 crisis continues.

May 8, 2020 - North Carolina Enters Phase 1 of Reopening Today at 5pm, Stay-at-Home Order Remains in Effect

Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 138 that outlines what is allowed in North Carolina under Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan. The information is subject to change in light of new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance and additional Executive Orders or local government declarations.

• Phase 1 begins today, Friday, May 8, 2020 at 5:00p.m. and remains in place until 5:00p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020.
• The Stay-at-Home Order has not been lifted. People should continue to stay at home. Executive Order No. 138 increases the number of reasons people are allowed to leave. All North Carolina residents should continue to stay at home except for the purposes outlined in the order.
• Anyone who is feeling sick should stay home and leave the house only to seek health care or for some other necessary reason.
• COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus, and state officials will continue to monitor key metrics. COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, especially indoors or if people come in close contact for more than ten minutes. All residents should continue to exercise extreme caution when in public.
• Town of Davidson’s Town Hall and other facilities remain closed to the public during Phase 1.

Read more here.

May 5, 2020 - A Message from the Davidson Board of Commissioners 

To the Davidson Community,

Last week, Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte and all six towns decided to transition from a county-wide Stay-at-Home Order to follow under Governor Cooper’s wider Stay-at-Home Order for the entire state of North Carolina. This change means a few more businesses in town are now able to offer curbside pickup as the definition of “essential businesses” has been slightly broadened. The transition to the state Stay-at-Home Order also allowed for tennis courts and parking lots at both Fisher Farm and Abersham Park to open at the end of last week.

We want to highlight just a few more important things as we move under the state’s order.

• COVID-19 STILL A CONCERN: This does NOT mean COVID-19 is no longer a concern in our community. We urge all residents to continue to stay at home as much as possible, leaving your homes only for essential trips, washing your hands and practicing good hygiene, wearing masks in situations where social and physical distancing is difficult. More guidance is available here.
• RESPECT THE ORDER: For those residents and businesses impacted by the transition to the state order, we are depending on you all to respect the guidance in this order. Please adhere to all restrictions from the state to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help the data keep trending in the right direction. Only through your responsible actions, and continued adherence to the Stay-at-Home Order by all residents, can we help move the needle toward a Phase I reopening.
• BE PATIENT: We know this continues to be a difficult situation for most of you, but we ask for your continued patience. Be kind to yourselves and to each other. We know everyone is eager to return to normal, but we also all recognize “normal” is still a way off. In the interim, we can be smart and compassionate as we care for ourselves, our families and friends, our neighbors, our local businesses, and the community we love here in Davidson.

Read more here.

April 28, 2020 - Mecklenburg County Transitions to State Stay at Home Order

Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte and the six county towns, have agreed to follow the State of North Carolina’s Stay at Home Order starting April 30.

Mecklenburg’s Stay at Home Order began March 26 and is more restrictive than the state order regarding certain businesses—including car dealerships, landscaping services, real estate brokerage, and other businesses not considered essential.

More details here.

April 22, 2020 - May Town of Davidson Events Canceled

As the situation continues to evolve with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Town of Davidson staff continue to work with Charlotte Mecklenburg Emergency Management on the current situation and also planning for the days and weeks ahead. Mecklenburg County shared last week that the County’s Stay at Home Order remains in effect until April 29, 2020 to match the Governor’s Executive Order 121 for the State of North Carolina.

Although the order is scheduled to conclude at the end of April, the unpredictability of COVID-19 makes it impractical to plan mass gatherings for the days and weeks immediately following the potential lifting of the order.  Being mindful of the health and safety of the Davidson community as well as being respectful to our vendors, artists, musicians, and partners for the various town-wide events, the following events have been canceled:

• Town Day/Bike Expo - May 2
• Concert on the Green - May 3
• Davidson Connections - May 7
• Concert at the Circle - May 16
• Heart-to-Heart Turkish Dinner - May 16
• Concert on the Green - May 17
• Tour de Trees - May 23

Town of Davidson staff remain dedicated to serving the community and will continue to look for ways to provide virtual engagement opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis. They are working on potentially rescheduling canceled events when possible and planning for the future.

April 20, 2020 - Davidson Businesses Thrive Online!

You all know local businesses are the heart of Davidson. They have been working hard over the last several weeks to be resourceful and continue to provide excellent service to the community and succeed during very difficult times. Read about a few things you might not have realized our businesses are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic here.

April 17, 2020 - Town of Davidson Stays Positive, Shares Love During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Town of Davidson has been sharing a lot of important information with you over the last several weeks with regards to COVID-19. Today, we thought we’d highlight some of the incredible stories YOU have shared with US over that same time – stories that have inspired us and warmed our hearts. Read all about them here.

April 16, 2020 - COVID-19 Updates for the Town of Davidson

As the situation continues to evolve with regards to COVID-19, we want to be sure to keep our community members in-the-know with the most current information for our area. Please take note of the three important updates below coming from Mecklenburg County and the State of North Carolina:

EXTENSION OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY STAY AT HOME ORDER

The Mecklenburg County Stay at Home Order has been extended to April 29, 2020 to match the Governor’s Executive Order 121 for the State of North Carolina. The County’s Stay at Home Order will extend if the Governor extends the Order for North Carolina. To view the full details of the extension, please click HERE.

GUIDANCE ON MASKS

The Mecklenburg County Public Health Department is advising residents to use simple cloth face coverings when in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery stores and pharmacies) in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help people who may be transmitting the virus without knowing it.

Most importantly, wearing a cloth face mask does NOT change the importance of complying with the state’s Stay at Home Order.

If you’d like information pertaining to the “dos and don’ts” of using a mask, please click HERE.

REQUIREMENTS FOR RETAIL STORES

This week, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 131 which offers clear requirements that essential businesses must implement in order to safeguard the health of customers and employees.  Some of the directives include:

• Setting limits of how many people can be in a store at one time, 5 people per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20% of fire marshal posted occupancy limits
• Marking six feet of distance in areas where people gather, such as checkout lines
• Requiring specific cleaning measures for retail stores

To read the state’s press release pertaining to Executive Order 131, click HERE. For the full Executive Order, click HERE.

April 14, 2020 - A Message from Mayor Rusty Knox about COVID-19

Earlier this morning, Mayor Rusty Knox filmed this video and shared a few things he and the Davidson Board of Commissioners would like you all to keep in mind during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 8, 2020 - Mecklenburg County Closes Parking Lots for County Parks

Mecklenburg County Commissioners announced last night, Tuesday, April 7, 2020, that park gates will be closed to all vehicles except bicycles. This closes all parking lots and auto traffic to these facilities effective today, April 8, 2020.

In Davidson, this closure affects both Fisher Farm Park and Abersham Park and closes the parking lots for both parks. All County parks remain open to the public for foot and bicycle traffic. Any cars parked illegally in closed lots or near the entrance to the parks will be towed.

Thank you for following these rules to help keep our community safe!

April 6, 2020 - Virtual Recreation Center is Now Open!

Running out of creative ways to spend your time at home? The Town of Davidson’s Parks and Recreation staff has compiled a list of suggestions for all ages, dubbed its Virtual Recreation Center, available here. We are committed to ensuring that our resilient community members have resources to maintain healthy lives, grow meaningful relationships and continue to have extraordinary experiences. 

We plan to update the page regularly with new links, so if you have a favorite site or an interactive video, send it to us at dpr@townofdavidson.org.

April 3, 2020 - Town of Davidson Fire Department Thanks YOU

As we’re now just over a week into the Stay at Home Order, Town of Davidson Fire Chief Bo Fitzgerald took a moment to thank town residents for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic and expresses his appreciation for folks staying at home. He notes it has made a true difference for first responders in our community!

March 31, 2020 - Help Recognize Our Gnome Town Heroes

The Town of Davidson recognizes that many residents want to help our local businesses in any way they can. Many of you continue to purchase take out from our restaurants and shop online from our retailers. All of our businesses are grateful for the support from our residents!

Our local businesses are focused on keeping their virtual doors open, and we are working to get them the support that they need, including funding available from the Small Business Administration and through the CARES Act. When the town asked our businesses if they needed anything, their collective response was, “no, thank you, but how can we help the community?” That’s not something you expect from every group of local business owners, but it’s something for which we are so thankful here in Davidson. Our businesses truly prioritize and value our community so deeply. In turn, we hope we can count on you to help us show them how much we appreciate them.

Learn how here.

March 30, 2020 - An Update from Town Manager Jamie Justice

All, 

It’s been a rough few weeks for everyone within the Town of Davidson community. We’ve faced new challenges together as we’ve moved through various responses to the coronavirus global pandemic – most recently moving to a Stay at Home order in Mecklenburg County that affects all Town of Davidson residents, followed at the end of last week with the announcement from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper that issued a Stay at Home Order for the entire state.

You’ve been receiving regular updates from the town as well as our elected officials about how we are handling this crisis at the local level. As the Town Manager, I can tell you I am extremely proud of how we have all been working together to ensure the health and safety of our community. It has also been particularly heartening to see the flurry of positivity going on in neighborhoods and in support of local businesses – this is not surprising for Davidson in the least, but still so good to see.

As the board noted in their last communication with you all, the team here has been working diligently to determine a path forward as appropriate for necessary town business, and I’d like to provide an update to that effect.

Read more here.

March 27, 2020- A Note from Mayor Rusty Knox and the Davidson Board of Commissioners

To the Davidson Community,

Yesterday, all of our cell phones simultaneously sounded at 7:50 a.m. The Stay at Home Order was about to take effect within Mecklenburg County, including those of us in the Town of Davidson. The COVID-19 pandemic is something that none of us expected to face while in office, or even in our lifetimes, but we can all agree these are unprecedented times.

Lucky for us, Davidson is a community unlike any other. If any town can (figuratively!) come together to meet a challenge head on, it’s Davidson.

Read the full message here.

March 24, 2020 - Mecklenburg County Issues Stay at Home Order

Mecklenburg County has issued a Stay at Home Order beginning Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. in order to further combat the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This order directs all Mecklenburg County, including all Town of Davidson residents living in both Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties, to shelter at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs. This order is valid through April 16, 2020 but will be regularly reviewed and evaluated and may be revised, amended, or extended accordingly, based upon recommendations by the Mecklenburg County Public Health Director and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management.

A full list of FAQs may be viewed here.

Davidson Event Cancellations and Parks & Recreation Facilities

As a part of this order, the Town of Davidson will be closing all active recreation features including basketball courts, playgrounds and tennis courts.

Additionally, with the new order in effect and the Governor’s order, the following events have been canceled or postponed. Please visit the Town of Davidson website at townofdavidson.org for more information about potential reschedule dates when that information becomes available.

• All April Parks & Recreation Programming
• Concerts at the Circle: Rusty Knox Band – April 18
• Gallery Crawl – April 24
• Earth Day 50^th Anniversary Festival - April 25
• Art on the Green – April 25 and 26

Town of Davidson Police and Fire departments will continue normal operations. Public Works will continue to work with a limited crew. All other departments will be working remotely.

Town staff are currently working through a plan to conduct Board of Commissioners and Advisory Board meetings remotely that complies with the open meetings law. . More information will be provided as it becomes available.

There are no changes to the WastePro schedule for trash and recycling pick-up. Any adjustments will be communicated.

March 23, 2020 - Town of Davidson State of Emergency

Today, March 23, 2020, Mayor Rusty Knox signed a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in the Town of Davidson. You can view the full proclamation here. 

March 19, 2020 - A Note from Mayor Rusty Knox

Friends, Neighbors, Davidson Family,

I think we all recognize that we live in a special place. Davidson is best when it’s time to pull together. This time – the ask is tough, though. How do you come together when you’re asked to maintain social distance, when you’re asked to work from home, schools are closed, businesses shutter, and nothing feels normal?

We do what we’ve always done. It just might look a little different this time.

Read the full message here.

March 17, 2020 - Town of Davidson Closes Town Buildings, Including Town Hall, to Public

With the ever-evolving guidance regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Town of Davidson has decided to make the proactive decision to close town buildings, including town hall, to the public to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community effective immediately. 

Read the full message here.

March 16, 2020 - Town of Davidson Community Rallies to Support Local Businesses

Many Davidson retailers are offering specials and curbside pick-up during the next few weeks. Please consider supporting our local businesses by calling in to place orders and pick up in one of the conveniently marked parking spaces for pick-up. 

See the full, and updated list, of local businesses offering curbside pick up, as well as those who have temporarily closed, here.

March 16, 2020 - Upcoming Events Canceled 

Based upon recommendations from the Mecklenburg County Public Health limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people, the town is taking the following actions:

• Town Parks & Recreation programming and Civics 101 class will be suspended until further notice.
• Staff who can work remotely are being encouraged to do so.
• First responders remain ready and prepared to serve the public, following all recommended procedures and protocols.

The following town events will be canceled and rescheduled for later dates when possible:

Board of Commissioners and Advisory Boards

Livability Board Meeting – March 17 at 7pm at Davidson Town Hall
Design Review Board Meeting – March 18 at 7pm at Davidson Town Hall
Board of Commissioners Meeting – March 24 at 6pm at Davidson Town Hall
Board of Commissioners Q&A – March 26 at 6:30pm at The Linden
Planning Board Meeting - March 30 at 7pm at Davidson Town Hall

Community Events

Arbor Day Celebration – March 20 at 11am at Parks and Recreation
2nd Annual Mark Swaney Scholarship Basketball Game – March 20 at 4pm at Community School of Davidson
251 South Street Public Input Session – March 31 at 6pm at Ada Jenkins Center
Davidson Connections – April 2 at 9am at Homewood Suites
Beaty Park Volunteer Work Day – April 4 at Beaty Park

Read the full message here.

Davidson College Updates

Davidson College will be fully in-person for the fall 2021 semester- working, teaching, and learning. 90% of students are fully vaccinated, and the college anticipates that number to increase.

For all the college's most current COVID information as they begin the school year, please click HERE.