Social distancing refers to collective actions taken by Public Health officials to stop or slow down the spread of a highly contagious disease. Since there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.This is why social distancing, although sometimes inconvenient, is vitally important. When done properly, it will limit the spread of infection. Stay at home is a stricter form of social distancing.

Stay at home means:

• Stay home (stay unexposed and do not expose others)
  Only go out for essential services
  Stay 6 feet or more away from others
  Don’t gather in groups

YOU CAN

• Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
• Visiting a health care professional for medical services that cannot be provided virtually (call first)
• Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
• Care for or support a friend or family member
• Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog and be in nature for exercise – just keep at least six feet between you and others
• Walk your pets and take them to veterinarian if necessary
• Help someone to get necessary supplies
• Receive deliveries from any business which delivers

YOU SHOULD NOT

• Go to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by the recent Stay-at-Home Order
• Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
• Maintain less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out
• Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions
• Travel except for essential travel and activities

For the full Proclamation, go to MeckNC.gov/COVID-19. For further questions, call the Mecklenburg County Stay at Home help line at (704) 353-1926. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.