COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

City of Lenoir Coronavirus Action Plan

Mayor Gibbons terminates local state of Emergency

Aug. 15, 2022

In conjunction with Governor Roy Cooper's lifting of the state’s COVID-19 State of Emergency, Mayor Joe Gibbons also ended the City of Lenoir's local state of emergency and ended all of the restrictions and orders therein as of 8:00 am, Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.

Proclamation Terminating A City State of Emergency (COVID-19) (PDF)

Governor Cooper Lifts North Carolina’s COVID-19 State of Emergency

Aug. 15, 2022

Governor Roy Cooper ended the state’s COVID-19 State of Emergency. With vaccines, treatments, and other tools to combat COVID-19 widely available, and with new legislation now providing the requested flexibility to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and health care providers to continue to respond, the state is poised to continue comprehensive pandemic response without the need for the State of Emergency. Many of the state’s public health measures combatting the pandemic had previously been lifted.

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

Governor Cooper and State Health Officials Update Mask Recommendations

Feb 17, 2022

As North Carolina’s COVID-19 metrics continue to move in the right direction and with vaccines widely available, Governor Roy Cooper encouraged schools and local governments to end their mask mandates.

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

Following New CDC Guidance on Face Coverings, Governor Cooper Lifts Many COVID-19 Restrictions

Monday, May 17, 2021

Following [Thursday, May 13] guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that fully vaccinated individuals can safely do most activities without wearing a mask or the need to social distance from others, the state will remove its indoor mask mandate for most settings. Additionally, the state will lift all mass gathering limits and social distancing requirements. These changes are now in effect as of 1:30 PM today.

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

Gov. Cooper Issues Executive Order to Relax State’s Outdoor Mask Mandate and Ease Mass Gathering Limits

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Under the new Executive Order, masks will still be required indoors but are no longer mandated outdoors. Masks are still strongly recommended outdoors by NC DHHS in crowded areas and higher risk settings where social distancing is difficult. 

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City to start reopening facilities Monday

Friday, April 23, 2021

City of Lenoir facilities will reopen Monday with limited access and some restrictions. Click here for more information.

Governor Cooper further eases COVID Restrictions

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Earlier this week, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced that the state will continue to ease some COVID-19 restrictions. The state’s general mask mandate remains in effect.

The new order increases occupancy and mass gathering limits. Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open

Governor Cooper eases COVID-19 restrictions

Monday, March 1, 2021

Last week, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the state will carefully ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions. Executive Order No. 195 took effect Friday Feb. 26 at 5:00 pm and will expire March 26 at 5 pm.

The Executive Order lifted the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors. The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption will be moved from 9 pm to 11 pm. Some businesses, including bars and amusement parks, will now be open for patrons indoors as they adhere to new occupancy restrictions. Many businesses, venues and arenas will have increased occupancy both indoors and outdoors.

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open.

Governor Cooper extends modified stay at home order again

Friday, Jan. 29, 2021

Earlier this week, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order requiring people to be at home from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am will be extended through at least Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open.

Governor Cooper Extends Modified Stay At Home Order

Monday, Jan. 11, 2021

Last week, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper extended North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order that requires people to be at home from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 am to at least Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. Secretary Cohen also issued a Secretarial Directive with stark warnings for North Carolinians to avoid indoor spaces without masks and gatherings between households.

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open.

Governor Cooper issues modified Stay At Home Order

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will begin a Modified Stay at Home Order after a rapid increase in North Carolina’s key COVID-19 trends. The Order requires people to stay at home between 10 pm and 5 am and takes effect Friday, December 11 and will be in place until at least January 8, 2021.

“We already have strong safety protocols and capacity limitations in place – including a statewide mask requirement. With this additional action beginning Friday, we hope to get these numbers down,” Governor Cooper said. “Our new modified Stay At Home order aims to limit gatherings and get people home where they are safer, especially during the holidays. It’s also a reminder that we must be vigilant the rest of the day – wearing a face mask when we are with people we don’t live with, keeping a safe distance from others and washing our hands a lot.” 

The Order requires restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care businesses and more to close at 10 pm. Travel to and from work; to obtain food, medical care, fuel or social services; or to take care of a family member is exempted. Read more in the Frequently Asked Questions document. 

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open.

Governor Cooper Tightens Existing Mask Requirements and Enforcement

Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued additional COVID-19 safety measures Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, to tighten mask requirements and enforcement as cases continue to rise rapidly in North Carolina and across the country. 

"I have a stark warning for North Carolinians today: We are in danger," Governor Cooper said. "This is a pivotal moment in our fight against the coronavirus. Our actions now will determine the fate of many."

In addition to extending Phase 3 capacity limits and safety requirements, the Order tightens the existing statewide mask requirement – making it clear that everyone needs to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who is not from the same household. The Order also adds the mask requirement to several additional settings including any public indoor space even when maintaining 6 feet of distance; gyms even when exercising; all schools public and private; and all public or private transportation when travelling with people outside of the household.

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open.

Govern Cooper lowers indoor gathering limit

Thursday, Nov. 11, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced earlier this week that the he is reducing the indoor mass gathering limit to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics.

"This reduction in our indoor gathering limit aims to slow the spread and bring down our numbers," Governor Cooper said. "It also sends a serious signal to families, friends and neighbors across our state. Success in slowing the spread will help our businesses."

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open.

Governor Cooper extends Phase 3

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced earlier this week that the state will remain paused in Phase 3 through Nov. 13, 2020.

“As this pandemic continues, I know it’s difficult and tiring to keep up our guard, especially when we’re gathered with people we love. But it’s necessary. No one wants to spread COVID-19 accidentally to friends or family, so we must keep prevention at the forefront,” said Governor Cooper. “Wearing a mask shows you care about people. Wearing a mask is an easy way to protect our communities and look out for each other. Confronting the virus head on and doing our part as individuals is good for our health and good for our economy.” 

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open.

NC moving into Phase 3

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, that the he is easing some restrictions and moving into Phase 3.

The Governor's Executive Order 169 allows movie theaters and conference centers to 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. 

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.

Click here to read the press release.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time. City parks and playgrounds as well as the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park at Mulberry Recreation Center are open.

North Carolina to Move to Phase 2.5

Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, that North Carolina will take a modest step forward move into Phase 2.5 starting this Friday, Sept. 4 at 5:00 pm. Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect and are even more important to contain the virus, Cooper said.

In Executive Order 163, Governor Cooper increased mass gathering limits to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors and allowed playgrounds to open, as well as museums and gyms with some restrictions.

Click here to read Governor Cooper's new release.

In response to EO163, the City of Lenoir will open all City playgrounds and picnic shelters at 5:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. The City’s outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and skate park will be open as well.

City recreational facilities and City Hall will remain closed to the public at this time.

Governor Cooper extends Safer At Home Phase 2

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for another 5 weeks as students and staff return to schools, colleges and universities and the state doubles down on efforts to decrease COVID-19 numbers.

Click here to read Governor Cooper's new release.

City of Lenoir facilities will remain closed through Safer At Home Phase 2.

Governor Cooper announces plans to reopen schools with restrictions, extends Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday, July 14, 2020, that schools will reopen this year under an updated Plan B.

Cooper also said the state will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks after the current Executive Order expires on Friday, July 17. The extension will last through Aug. 7.

Click here to read Governor Cooper’s press release.

City of Lenoir facilities will remain closed through Safer At Home Phase 2.

Governor Cooper extends Safer At Home Phase 2, City facilities will remain closed

Friday, June 26, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday, June 24, 2020, that the state will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks. Cooper also announced that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places as officials seek to stabilize concerning trends of increasing viral spread.

Click here to read Cooper’s news release.

City of Lenoir facilities will remain closed through Safer At Home Phase 2. The outdoor pool currently remains closed.

City facilities remaining closed through Safer At Home Phase 2, July 4th Celebration canceled

May 26, 2020

City of Lenoir facilities, including the outdoor pool, will remain closed through Safer At Home Phase 2.

City staff discussed Safer At Home Phase 2 with Council during the Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday morning, May 26. Due to concerns about managing facilities, staff recommended to Council that the City keep public facilities and recreation centers closed through the end of Safer At Home Phase 2, including the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center (LAFC) and outdoor pool. 

Due to concerns about crowd size and social distancing, staff, with the approval of City Council, also canceled the July 4th celebration.

Click here to read the news release.

Governor Cooper announces Phase 2

May 21, 2020

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will move into Safer At Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, May 22 at 5 pm. Read Executive Order No. 141. After two weeks in Phase 1, the state’s overall key indicators remain stable but the continued increases in daily case counts signal a need to take a more modest step forward in Phase 2 than originally envisioned.

Click here to read the Governor’s full press release.

Read the details of Phase 2 on the state government website at https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve.

North Carolina moving to Phase 1 opening

May 7, 2020

On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced the state would move into Phase 1 of the reopening plan. Phase 1 will take effect at 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 8. 

Read the details of Phase 1 on the state government website at https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve.

The City of Lenoir will follow state guidance.

Governor Cooper extends stay-at-home order to May 8.

April 23, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced that he was extending the state stay-at-home through May 8. The Governor also announced a plan to reopen various businesses in Phases if the state meets certain trends regarding COVID-19.

The City of Lenoir is following the governor’s guidance.

For more information, click here to visit the state’s COVID-19 North Carolina Dashboard. Once on the page, scroll down for the latest news and updates.

City suspends residential utility service disconnects

April 3, 2020

To help ensure residents can remain in their homes and slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Lenoir will not disconnect residential utility services, assess late fees to any residential accounts, or stop sanitation collection due to non-payment through May 31, 2020.

Please keep in mind that customers will still be responsible for paying for all usage and, if possible, should continue to pay their bills to avoid accumulating large balances. If customers become behind on payments, the City will set up a repayment program that will allow customers to pay off any accumulated charges over at least six months.

Visit www.cityoflenoir.com/payonline to review our various utility bill payment methods.

Visit www.cityoflenoir.com/waterservices to apply for utility services.

Caldwell County Sheriff and Police Chiefs issue joint statement regarding Stay At Home Order

March 31, 2020

Caldwell County Sheriff Alan Jones and Police Chiefs Brent Phelps, City of Lenoir; Richard Blevins, Town of Hudson; and Chris Jenkins, Town of Granite Falls, issued the following joint statement regarding Governor Roy Cooper’s Stay At Home Order. 

Click here to read the joint statement.

City extends closings, cancels all public events

March 27, 2020

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121 (PDF) on March 27. The order includes a stay-at-home order for residents effective at 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2020. In response to the Governor’s order, the City of Lenoir is making the following changes to the City’s Coronavirus Action plan:

• All City recreational facilities are closed through April 29.
• All park facilities are also closed including:
  • playgrounds
  • tennis courts
  • athletic fields
  • skateboard parks
  • basketball courts
  • picnic shelters
• The public may use parks for passive recreation such as walking and jogging, provided the following the social distancing orders from the governor.
• All public events located on City property with 10 or more participants are are canceled through May 1.

Click here to view all of Governor Cooper’s Executive Orders.

NC Governor’s Stay At Home Order Information

• Executive Order 121 (Stay At Home Order) (PDF) 
• Frequently Asked Questions for North Carolina’s Stay At Home Order (PDF)

City extends closings

March 24, 2020

In response to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 120, the City of Lenoir is making the following changes to the City’s Coronavirus Action plan:

• All City recreational facilities are closed through April 25.
• All public events located on City property with 50 or more participants are canceled through May 1.

Click here to view all of Governor Cooper’s Executive Orders.

City declares state of emergency

March 17, 2020

In response to the recent declarations by NC Governor Roy Cooper and the Federal government, and to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Coronavirus, City of Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons officially declared a state of emergency for the City of Lenoir Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Click here to read the news release.

City of Lenoir Proclamation of a State of Emergency Coronavirus Disease 2019 (PDF)  

City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. All business conducted with the City of Lenoir shall be conducted via telephone, email, fax, or other virtual means to the greatest extent possible. City Hall will operate by appointment only during normal business hours for critical business that cannot be done online or over the phone. 

Online Services

• Citizens can make utility or tax payments online at www.cityoflenoir.com/payonline. Payment by check or cash can be made at our Drop Boxes: One drop box is located on West Avenue outside Lenoir City Hall. Another drop box is located at the rear of the drive-through window at the Hudson Town Hall.
• Residents can apply for water and sewer service by calling 828-757-2200, or visiting www.cityoflenoir.com/waterservice. 
• Contractors should apply for permits online or by calling 828-610-8442. Permit applications are available online at www.cityoflenoir.com/permitapps. 
• Human Resources will be closed to walk-ins for job applications. The public can view job openings at www.cityoflenoir.com/jobs and download a job application at www.cityoflenoir.com/jobapp.

Important Numbers:

• EMERGENCIES - 911
• Caldwell County Health Information Line - 828-426-8456
• City Hall - 828-757-2200
• Fire (Non-emergency) - 828-757-2192
• Parks & Recreation - 828-757-2188
• Planning - 828-610-8442
• Public Utilities/Works - 828-757-2111
• Police (Non-emergency) - 828-757-2100

City recreation centers closing

March 14, 2020

Given the executive order of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on Saturday, March 14, 2020, the City of Lenoir will close all City recreational facilities through March 29.

On Saturday, Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people and to close K-12 public schools for at least two weeks. To abide by the Governor’s order and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the City will close the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Mulberry Recreational Center, and the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center until March 29.

This does include the indoor pool and gym at the aquatic enter. The recreation center closures are aimed at limiting large social gatherings and allowing community members to engage in social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If the Governor’s guidance on this issue changes in the future, the City of Lenoir will change as well. The City may take additional measures if conditions warrant.

City of Lenoir announces Coronavirus Action Plan

March 13, 2020

The City of Lenoir is monitoring the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and working in partnership with local and state agencies to address community and employee safety.

Staff has developed a flexible action plan to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to provide essential City services to our residents.

“The safety of our community is our top priority,” City of Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons said. “Council and staff are paying close attention to the situation. We want to do everything we can to keep people healthy. Some of these measures might cause some inconveniences, but we think it’s the right thing to do, and we’ll adapt as the situation evolves.”

Events and programs

The City is taking the following steps effective immediately:

• The City is canceling all public events located on City of Lenoir property with 100 or more participants through May 1. This includes events sponsored by outside community partners. Staff will not schedule any new events on City property with groups of 100 or more people until further notice.
• All City of Lenoir Parks and Recreation athletics programs, classes, and rentals are suspended until May 1. City recreation facilities will remain open and operate on a normal schedule until further notice. Staff will monitor the situation on a daily basis and follow State of North Carolina recommendations.
• The City is suspending all Parks and Recreation senior programming until further notice. This includes programs, trips, and fitness and exercise programs. The senior population, those 65 and over, is considered high-risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The City may take additional measures if conditions warrant.

Precautionary steps

The City of Lenoir is also implementing the following precautionary steps and asking residents to take some preventative measures as well.

• The City is asking anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms to stay home and conduct city business over the phone or electronically. Residents can pay utility bills online at www.cityoflenoir.com/payonline.
• Staff is asking all visitors and employees to refrain from entering City facilities if they are sick or are exhibiting fever, coughing, or breathing difficulties.
• The City plans to post signs at every city building with information about preventive measures from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and public restrooms.
• If citizens do need to come to a City facility, staff asks that they sanitize their hands upon entering the building. The City will provide sanitizing spray or wipes.
• City staff will ensure more frequent cleaning of surfaces in City buildings and increased availability of handwashing and sanitizing supplies.
• Employees have been asked to follow recommended preventative measures. If employees are exhibiting fever, coughing, or breathing difficulties, they are asked to stay home and contact their healthcare provider.
• Staff has been evaluating policies and procedures to ensure they are consistent with public health recommendations and to help minimize potential service disruptions.
• City departments are following all guidance and recommendations from their respective professional associations.
• The City is limiting out-of-town travel for City employees to Caldwell County and the adjoining counties, unless essential to operations.
• Staff will keep the city website updated with relevant coronavirus announcements.
• Staff will closely monitor emerging news and advice and remain flexible on next steps.

General Precautions

There are some common sense measures everyone can take to protect themselves and others from the spread of respiratory illnesses including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For more information about prevention, visit the NCDHSS COVID-19: Individuals and Families website.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

It is also good practice to start being more aware of the number of times a day your hands touch an object or hard surface and then touch your face without being washed. Limiting the exposure of your nose, mouth and eyes to unwashed hands can help to protect from the spread of all germs and illnesses.

It is not recommended that people wear masks if they are well or stockpile them. Masks should be worn by people who are sick to prevent the spread of infection.

Information and updates

The City recommends residents frequently check the NCDHHS website, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response in North Carolina, for updates.