Greenville Reporter

Greenville policymakers are considering stricter measures on stores to help stem the COVID-19 spread after reports of people not following statewide orders.

Greenville City spokesman Brock Letchworth told WITN in a March 31 report that large numbers of people were shopping for non-essential items in retail stores and home and garden centers. 

Gov. Roy Cooper issued a stay-at-home order in late March to help flatten the COVID-19 curve. According to CNN's coronavirus tracker page, North Carolina has the 19th most number of cases, with nearly 2,700 positive tests and 41 deaths as of April 6. Cooper's order, similar to other states, limits residents' interactions to essential activities or outdoor exercise.

“This city is going to keep monitoring participation in terms of these orders, and we're going to take any steps that we need to take that can help us get through this situation as quickly as possible with people as healthy as possible,” Letchworth told the media outlet.

Officials have closed several parks to help enforce the stay-at-home orders and recommendations for social distancing.

River Park North was closed after large crowds were seen. Other locations closed are the fishing pier, which is part of The Town Common, a basketball court and several city-owned tennis courts. 

The mayor issued an order for shoppers to only focus on essential activities such as grocery shopping, getting medical supplies, or helping to take care of someone else.

The Greenville Police Department posted on social media after noticing large groups of people shopping at Lowe’s. 

Law enforcement said businesses have done their part to put in place allowances for social distancing.

The Lowes store has signs reminding patrons only to buy what is necessary and essential. Officials are now asking residents to help do their part as well to protect everyone’s health. Limiting activities is thought to help slow the spread of the disease.