Morning Minute: Monday, October 5, 2020

News About Town: On Friday evening (September 2), the Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss ways to help bars in Matthews expand their footprints for reopening with outdoor space. The meeting ended in a resolution granting existing restaurants and bars an extension into public right-of-way under the newest Executive Order by Governor Cooper to allow maximized social distancing. Following the unanimous adoption of the resolution, the Board voted to amend the downtown guidelines adopted for restaurants at the start of Phase 2. This amendment includes adding bars to the guidelines and allowing both bars and restaurants a temporary permit for use of up to four public parking spaces for tables and seating.

News Around Town: If you’re interested in COVID contact tracing, NC Department of Health and Human Services has just the thing for you: SlowCOVIDNC. Download the app then enable Bluetooth and notifications. Your phone will have “tokens” to exchange with other phones. If you’re ever diagnosed COVID-positive at any point, enter a PIN in the app, which will examine the data and notify those who meet a set of threshold criteria of your positive, allowing faster tracing and better containment.

Harvest by Lorraine Stark

Harvest

Harvest
moon in autumn
sheds light upon the leaves
slumbering till morning breezes
stir them

by Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash photographer @mariamsoliman

Morning Minute: Friday, October 2, 2020

News About Town: With the change to Phase 3 of reopening, bars are finally able to open their doors, albeit with outdoor service only. This clause leaves some local bars without outdoor space in a bind. Tonight, in a special meeting at 6 pm, the Board of Commissioners will meet to examine options for Town assistance to the business community.

News About Town: The CDC and the State of NC Health Services have released guidelines on safe practices for Halloween (CDC here, NCDHHS here), and Día de los Muertos. It’s safe to say there’s no bobbing for apples, y’all. Trick or treating and small gatherings aren’t off the table, but both agencies suggest getting creative with the process as well as avoiding large crowds. For trick or treating, one practical approach is to line up individually wrapped goodie bags for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance.

Don’t Forget: Today’s the last day to vote for COS Kids in the $25,000 Neighborhood Assist Grant contest from State Farm. Winners will be announced November 4. Spread the word—10 votes at a time can change the outcome!

Morning Minute: Thursday, October 1, 2020

News Around Town: Yesterday the Governor announced North Carolina will be moving to Phase 3 of COVID Reopening. Dr. Mandy Cohen recognized that not all metrics are perfect, but the state feels they have the capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. This Executive Order expires October 23, and if metrics continue to improve, North Carolinians can expect further easing of restrictions. So what are the new rules? Physical distancing and mask wearing are still important (as is washing hands), but a few industries will get to open this Friday at 5 pm:

• Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators. 

• Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less. 

• Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.

• Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less. 

• Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only. 

• The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. 

• The 11 pm curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to October 23.  

News Around Town: Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 has been busy beautifying and rehabbing the Veteran’s Memorial at Stumptown Park. Phase I has been completed and the crews are now working on Phase II, which includes laying paver bricks inscribed with the names of veterans. Learn more about what has been done and what will be done on the Legion’s website. Aside from the painted mural, the project is expected to be complete by November 11.

Don’t Forget: Vote for COS Kids up to 10 times a day in the $25,000 Neighborhood Assist Grant contest from State Farm. The contest ends tomorrow, October 2 and winners will be announced November 4. Get your friends in on the voting action, too.