Phase II Reopening: What it Means to You
Important COVID-19 Updates from Governor Cooper's Office
This past weekend North Carolina entered Phase II of Governor Cooper’s plan to reopen the State.

The ‘Stay at Home’ Order has been lifted, and the State is now under a ‘Safer at Home’ recommendation. Phase II allows more local businesses to open under certain restrictions, including restaurants, personal care, grooming, massage and tattoo businesses, and indoor and outdoor pools.

While in public, all should continue to practice The Three W’s:

  • Wear (a mask)

  • Wait (6ft away from others)

  • Wash (your hands properly and frequently)

Those who are sick or considered high-risk are urged to stay safely at home. The CDC defines high-risk individuals as:

  • People 65 years or older; and

  • People of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions, including people who are immunocompromised or have chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, or liver disease.

As a reminder: COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus . Studies show the disease spreads easily from person to person, especially indoors, or if people come in close contact for more than 10 minutes. All residents should continue to exercise extreme caution when in public.

For additional information, call 211 or reference the following resources:

Virtual Memorial Day Program
Follow our PARC Facebook page as we remember our veterans

Join the Town of Cornelius and American Legion Post 86 as we honor our nation's servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

The annual program will be held virtually this year. Follow the Cornelius PARC Department on Faceboo k to view the program. A video presentation will be available after 10am on Monday, May 25.
May is National Bike Month
Share the road and ride safe!

May is National Bike Month! Bike sales have tripled lately, so it’s even more important for ALL to be aware and alert – bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians alike!

Keep the following tips in mind, and let’s work together to keep our streets safe for all.
CYCLISTS, remember to:

Wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law in the State of North Carolina for anyone 16 years and under. This includes cyclists and passengers on a bike. Children under 16 riding/cycling without a helmet can result in a fine for the parents. Since helmets can help reduce serious injuries, adults are also encouraged to wear a helmet .

Obey traffic laws . Cyclists are considered vehicles in North Carolina and must heed all traffic laws when on public roads.

Walk your bike through crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right-of-way on sidewalks, crosswalks, and greenways.

When available, use bike lanes . Use caution in areas where on-street parking is adjacent to the bike lane.

Use hand signals. Let others know your next move by using the universal hand signals for left turns, right turns, and stopping.

Do not ride distracted . Don’t let your phone distract you; give your full attention to the road.

Be visible. Wear light, bright colors and reflective materials, so drivers see you. Cyclists must also have working headlights and taillights when riding at night.

DRIVERS, remember to:

SLOW DOWN . Slower speed limits usually mean the area is frequented by pedestrians and cyclists. Be on the lookout and drive safely.

Do not drive distracted. Don’t let your phone distract you; give your full attention to the road. It can wait!

Look for bike lanes. Be on extra alert when you see bike lanes or crosswalks. Make sure bike lanes are clear when turning left or right. Beware of approaching vehicles, as they can block your view of a cyclist in the oncoming bike lane.

Know the law. There are laws in place to keep cyclists safe:

  • Drivers may cross the double-yellow lines to pass a cyclist when the oncoming lane is clear. This gives the cyclist room for error should they fall or encounter road debris.

  • While cyclists are encouraged to use bike lanes, they can legally use the full lane, even when bike lanes are available. A cyclist may opt to use the full lane for greater visibility or to avoid vehicles blocking the bike lane or debris.

  • NC State law requires that drivers give cyclists a minimum of three feet clearance space, although five feet is encouraged. This provides the cyclist with room for error should they fall or encounter road debris.

  • Cyclists may ride two abreast. This means a cyclist may ride next to another cyclist to improve visibility and to reduce the length of a cycling group.

Pedestrians, remember to:

Use crosswalks where available. When entering a crosswalk:

  • Be sure approaching vehicles are slowing down to a stop before going further into the roadway, including those behind the first vehicle in line;

  • Make eye contact with the driver to ensure you are seen;

  • Use crosswalk lights or bright orange hand-flags to alert drivers of your presence in the crosswalk (vehicles are not required to stop until you enter the crosswalk);

  • Cross as quickly as you are able.

Do not walk/run distracted. Don’t let your phone distract you; give full attention to your surroundings. If using headphones, keep the volume low enough to hear someone or something approaching.

Be visible. Wear light, bright colors and reflective materials, so drivers can see you. Carry or wear a light when walking or running at night.
Stay at Home, and Stay Connected with Cornelius
Save the date for our next virtual coffee chat
Brew yourself a cup of joe and join our next virtual Connecting Cornelius!

Our next coffee chat will be held on
Monday, June 1
from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. 

Mayor Washam will lead the discussion, along with Town officials. Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris will join the conversation with the latest on COVID-19.

We will also hear from Executive Director Justin Dionne with an update on the new Cain Center for the Arts facility.

We hope you'll join us!
Connecting Cornelius: Virtual Coffee Chat
Monday, June 1 at 8:30 a.m. 

Join Us via Zoom
 
 Meeting ID:  853 6263 4154
(No password required)

Attendees are encouraged to  RSVP
FYI: Normal Schedule for Solid Waste Pick Up This Week

Although Town Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25, Republic Services (our solid waste provider) will operate on their normal schedule.

There will be no interruption of service due to the Memorial Day holiday the week of May 25-29. Please be sure to leave your solid waste receptacles out as usual.
Town of Cornelius Communications || Website || Email || 704.892.6031