Tourists pack the N.C. mountains, some locals fear surge in COVID-19 coming Tourist crowds bring fear of upcoming COVID-19 spike in NC mountains By Steve Ohnesorge | December 30, 2020 at 7:03 PM EST - Updated December 30 at 7:03 PM NEWLAND, N.C. (WBTV) - The annual Christmas rush of tourists to the North Carolina Mountains has not been affected by the coronavirus crisis, say officials. There are traffic jams, ski areas sold out, lodging booked solid and restaurants at COVID-19 capacity with dozens of people waiting outside. Katy Fletcher, who lives in Avery County says she is concerned all those visitors in town could lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases.