March 29. Covid-19 disease transmission person to person is a given, but it seems as if people who can gather somewhere will do so. This picture, sent to us by a reader, shows people enjoying a beach on the island near Langtree.

Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam on Sunday morning said he has been in touch with the town manager and the chief of police, based on multiple complaints he received.

“We will have to step up our citations,” he said. There are 299 positive COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County, according to the Health Dept.

The Cornelius Today reader, who asked that her name not be used, said there were 31 boats on the beach by 2 pm., up from none at around 11 am. “Most [boaters are] in the middle of the lake, respecting space and being friendly,” she said.

“Social distancing,” which helps spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, was successfully used to “flatten the curve” during the 1918 Spanish Flu, according to epidemiologists.

Statewide order

Gov. Cooper has ordered North Carolina residents to stay at home for 30 days, starting Monday, March 30 at 5 pm.

Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 also reduces the size of gatherings to 10 people. That said, outdoor exercise, including boating, jogging, biking and walking, don’t violate the order. Gathering too close together does.

Officials are hoping for voluntary cooperation, but if it is not achieved, state and local law enforcement officers have the authority to enforce the order.

If you see too large a crowd or inadequate distancing, call 311 to make a report, Mayor Washam said.

The number of cases across North Carolina jumped by more than 100 for the fifth day in a row on Saturday.

North Carolina reports 935 cases statewide.

There are different orders within some NC counties. The most restrictive order in any situation has authority.