Meck County COVID-19 directive extended another month; doesn’t advise schools stay virtual WSOCTV.com News Staff Replay Video Mecklenburg County announced Thursday it will be extending its COVID-19 health directive for another month. County Health Director Gibbie Harris issued the directive two weeks ago, warning people to stay home, leaving only for essential activities. It was set to expire on Feb. 2. The county will now keep the directive in place through the end of February -- but the language advising schools to remain virtual will be removed. Harris said the county does support students returning to the classroom, especially younger children, since COVD-19 metrics are moving in the right direction. She said many of the virus clusters they’ve seen have been tied to sports-related activities.