Mecklenburg County issues Order to STAY AT HOME

On March 24, 2020, Mecklenburg County officials released strict guidelines for its residents in response to COVID-19, aka the Coronavirus.

Trivino Law PLLC is here for you to breakdown the guidelines and consequences. However, I do urge you to review the actual Order here: Mecklenburg Stay at Home Order

WHO:

1. Residents of Mecklenburg County

2. Non-Essential Businesses

3. Essential Businesses

WHAT:

1. Residents: you must stay at home. Travel by car, motorcycle, scooter, train, plan, or public transit is prohibited. This means, you can’t going over to Johnny’s house to chill. The exceptions:

• You can travel to the grocery store, pharmacy, healthcare provider, and restaurants for take-out or drive-through service.

• You can go outside, but must comply with the 6-ft Social Distancing Requirements.

• You can go walking, hiking, golfing, running, and cycling.

• You can travel to work, but only if the work falls under the Essential Business category.

2. Non-essential businesses: can only provide virtual or remote services.

• For example: Your personal trainer is not allowed to meet with you in-person, but your trainer can continue to guide you via video or verbal instructions.

3. Essential Businesses: the Order provides the complete and detailed list of what is considered to be an essential business and operation.

The list is about 3 pages long, it starts on page 8 of the Order and ends on page 11. Here is a brief summary of what is considered to be an Essential Business:

• Hospitals and healthcare providers

• Stores that sell groceries and medicine

• Organizations that provide charitable and social services

• the Media - such as the newspapers, television, and radio

• Gas stations

• Banks and lenders

• Hardware and supply stores

• Plumbers, Electricians, Exterminators, HVAC, Builders and Construction

• Post office and other delivery services

• Educational institutions - but limited to distance learning

• Laundromats and cleaners

• Restaurants for take-out or delivery

• Airlines, taxies, public transportation - but the CATS bus routes will be running on a limited schedule

• Home-based care and services

• Residential facilities and shelters

• Legal Services, Accounting Services, Insurance Services, and Real Estate Appraisals and Title Services

• Childcare centres

• Hotels and Motels

• Manufacturers, distribution, and supply chain products and industries

• Food, beverage, and agriculture

• Funeral Services

WHEN:

From Thursday, March 26, 2020 through April 16, 2020.

Schools will remain open for remote learning through May 15th, per NC Governor Cooper’s Orders issued on March 10th and March 23rd.

WHY:

COVID-19, aka the Coronavirus, pandemic has created a state of emergency in Mecklenburg County and in the City of Charlotte. The Order says that as of March 23rd, there were 108 COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County, and that number is only expected to increase because of community spread. The evidence shows that COVID-19 is easily spread from person to person. Also, this Order helps to protect the most vulnerable and to prevent the health care system from overloading.

F.A.Q.:

What happens if I decide to NOT follow the order?

You could pickup a criminal charge. Yes, that is right, I said that you could be charged with a criminal offense. The criminal offense would be: “Violation of emergency prohibitions and restrictions.” What does that mean? That means, a person violating any prohibition or restriction imposed by the Order faces a Class 2 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-288.20A. FYI: Class 2 misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. (If you think being confined in your house for 3 weeks is rough, try 60 days confined in jail.)

Since I have to stay at home until April 16th, does that mean I need to go shopping to stock-up on food and toilet paper to last me until April 16th?

No. For the sake of others, please stop buying up all of the toilet paper. Sorry- that was my own personal pleading. But for real, the answer is still no. Why? Because you are allowed to go food shopping. The Order says that you are allowed to travel to purchase groceries. Also, the Order allows businesses to deliver the groceries/food to you.

Are the Courts still open?

Yes, but for limited purposes. On March 16th, Chief Justice Beasley announced that for 30 days all Superior and District Court cases would be rescheduled. Some exceptions are Domestic Violence Hearings and other Emergency Hearings. Unfortunately, no marriages in the courthouse will be conducted during this time. If you have a criminal case or traffic ticket, you can keep track of your court date online at nccourts.gov/court-dates.

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