CHARLOTTE, NC — Gates will be closing at about 60 of Mecklenburg County’s largest parks, Charlotte police announced Wednesday afternoon. The move is an attempt to limit mass gatherings and enforce social distancing orders, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Deputy Chief Jeff Estes.
As of Wednesday morning, state health officials said there are now 3,426 COVID-19 cases confirmed in North Carolina, and 53 coronavirus-related deaths. COVID-19 is now documented in 90 out of North Carolina’s 100 counties. Mecklenburg County led the state with 830 confirmed cases, reporting seven deaths.
With the new order, all of Mecklenburg County’s boat ramps also closed Wednesday, according to Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation. Those closures include Ramsey Creek, Blythe Landing and Copperhead Island Boat Ramps.
Park gates were also closed to all vehicles except bicycles effective immediately April 8, parks officials said. Greenways remain available for walk-in and bicycle use. All of Mecklenburg County’s sport courts closed March 31.
All of Mecklenburg County has been under a stay-at-home order since March 26, days before a statewide executive order issued by Gov. Roy Cooper went into effect March 30.
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Despite outliers, most of the Charlotte metro community is stepping up and complying with the order, Estes said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
“I want to make it clear that if any citizen, business or anyone else is asked by an officer, told by an officer to comply and they don’t, they’ll be cited,” Estes said. “If they continue to not comply, then they’ll be arrested. We don’t have a choice, this is a pandemic.”
Mecklenburg County residents can register a complaint about people not complying with the stay-at-home order online or by calling 311. As of Wednesday, CMPD has issued 13 citations for non-compliance with the directive and made eight arrests.
SEE ALSO: Coronavirus Toll In North Carolina: 3,426 Cases, 53 Deaths
Some aren’t abiding by the stay-at-home rules because they’re unsure, and some aren’t taking it seriously, Estes said.
“It’s time to stop making excuses, it’s time to stay at home,” Estes said.
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This article originally appeared on the Charlotte Patch