Message from Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin

Over the last several weeks, Davie County and the State of North Carolina, have taken actions to address the spread of COVID-19.  This includes limiting mass gatherings to 50 people or less, the closure of schools statewide through May 15, limiting restaurants to takeout orders, and the closing of hair/nail salons, spas, gyms, and recreation centers. Thousands of employees from every business sector are either not working or teleworking to stay in business and to provide needed services to the community.

Despite these measures, many leaders do not believe we have gone far enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect our citizens.

As a result, Governor Roy Cooper has issued an Executive Order that requires residents to STAY AT HOME unless they are providing essential services.

The order is set to begin Monday, March 30, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.

Essential Operations Only

The order directs all individuals living in the state to remain at their place of residence except to provide or receive certain essential services or engage in certain activities and work for essential business and government services.

It also directs all businesses and governmental agencies to cease nonessential operations at physical locations in the state and prohibits all non-essential gatherings of more than 10 individuals. It also orders cessation of all non-essential travel.

Following social distancing practices, such as staying at least 6 feet apart from each other, are critical if you leave your home for essential activities or if you go to work in an essential business.  Health experts maintain these practices are effective in limiting the spread of the virus. Please continue to be diligent. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

STAY AT HOME, leaving only to perform any of the essential activities as outlined below.

Essential activities include:

  •  Engaging in or performing tasks essential to maintaining health and safety. Examples include picking up medicine or visiting a doctor.
  •  Obtaining necessary supplies for you, your family or household members, necessary for staying home. Support your local businesses by ordering curbside pick-up, delivery, take out or drive-thru. Please only purchase items you immediately need and do not stockpile.
  •  Going for a run, hike or other outdoor activity while maintaining proper social distancing. Our parks will remain open, but the play areas are closed.
  •  To care for a family member in another household.
  •  To care for the elderly, minors, dependents, or other vulnerable persons

Essential businesses include:  

  •  Health care operations and home health workers
  • Veterinary Care
  •  Essential infrastructure, including construction of housing (residential and mixed-use), industrial and commercial projects currently underway
  •  Grocery stores and convenience stores
  • Restaurants offering curbside pick-up, delivery, take out or drive-thru services
  • Pharmacies
  •  Gas stations and auto repair facilities
  •  Banks
  •  Garbage collection. Republic Services will continue to pick up trash and recycling on a normal schedule.
  • Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians and other service providers necessary to maintain the safety and essential operation of residences and other essential businesses.
  •  Childcare facilities providing services that enable essential employees to go to work.

COVID-19 Transmitted in Group Settings

The CDC has advised the virus that causes COVID-19 is easily transmitted, especially in group settings. It is the responsibility of every person in the Town of Mocksville to follow the guidelines for preventing the spread of this disease by reducing their interactions with others, especially those beyond their immediate household.  By minimizing the spread of the virus, local public and private health care providers can address those already impacted while continuing to safeguard public health and safety.

These are challenging times, and the impact of COVID-19 is being felt by every resident in our town. I am concerned for our community, especially those who are sick or at higher risk of becoming infected, as well as those who have either lost or are at risk of losing their job or business. 

Please continue to follow government updates and legitimate news sources.  If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or coughing, CALL your health care provider before seeking any treatment in person.

Stay safe, stay well, stay informed. We will persevere!

Will Marklin

Mayor, Town of Mocksville