Mecklenburg Co. extends COVID-19 directive through Feb., removes language about schools
New directive removes language against in-person learning By WBTV Web Staff | January 28, 2021 at 7:51 PM EST - Updated January 29 at 4:21 PM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Mecklenburg County’s health director is extending the county’s COVID-19 directive and making some changes to language concerning schools and recreational activities.
The most glaring change to the modified directive is the removal of the recommendation of “utilizing full-virtual options” for schools specifically. This comes after a CDC study released earlier this week, indicating that with appropriate safety measures in place, schools can be a safe location for students to learn and for school staff to support that learning.
Meck County COVID-19 directive extended another month; doesn’t advise schools stay virtual WSOCTV.com News Staff
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Mecklenburg County announced Thursday it will be extending its COVID-19 health directive for another month.
County Health Director Gibbie Harris issued the directive two weeks ago, warning people to stay home, leaving only for essential activities. It was set to expire on Feb. 2.
The county will now keep the directive in place through the end of February but the language advising schools to remain virtual will be removed.
Harris said the county does support students returning to the classroom, especially younger children, since COVD-19 metrics are moving in the right direction. She said many of the virus clusters they’ve seen have been tied to sports-related activities.
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SouthPark and Concord Mills malls add rapid COVID testing sites. Here s what we know Catherine Muccigrosso, The Charlotte Observer
Jan. 19 Rapid testing for the coronavirus will soon be available at two Charlotte-area malls.
Medivolve, formerly named QuestCap, is opening COVID-19 testing labs for same-day testing results at SouthPark and Concord Mills malls, both managed by Simon.
Each site can handle up to 150 tests a day. The cost is $59 for an antibody test, $99 for an antigen test and $179 for a PCR test usually required for travel. Antigen tests diagnose current viral infection while antibody tests show if a person already had the virus. The PCR test also shows if a person has the virus, and is considered among the most accurate tests.