The City of Gastonia continues to comply with the State of North Carolina's executive orders and Centers for Disease Control recommendations regarding public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City encourages eligible residents to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Although some restrictions have eased and some City government buildings are open to the public, other buildings remain "badge-access only" to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
In accordance with guidance from the State of North Carolina, the City encourages a mask-optional approach in most settings, with mask-wearing encouraged for people who are not vaccinated or have specific health concerns. Private businesses can still require employees or customers to wear face masks. And masks may be required in settings such as health care and long-term care.
Important resources about COVID-19 and vaccinations
Health information
- Gaston County Gaston SAVES initiative (information about masks, vaccines and COVID testing)
- Gaston County COVID-19 vaccine clinics
- State of North Carolina COVID-19 vaccination locations
- North Carolina Dept. of Health and Human Services NC COVID-19 case count
- NC Check My Symptoms (interactive tool to determine if you should be tested for COVID-19)
- NC Find COVID Tests (interactive locator of COVID-19 testing locations and options)
Individuals and families
- City of Gastonia Emergency Rental Assistance Program
- Gaston County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
- Gastonia Housing Authority Emergency Housing Vouchers
- North Carolina Homeowner Assistance Fund
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's free rental assistance program for renters and landlords
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's free help for homeowners
- Utility bill assistance for low-to-moderate Gastonia residents offered by the City of Gastonia and United Way of Gaston County
- Gastonia Electric Assistance Resource (GEAR helps low-income customers pay their electric bills)
- Crisis Assistance Ministry of Gastonia (assistance with utility bills, rent/mortgage payments and food)
- NC 2-1-1 hotline and website (free information and referral service about locally based health, financial and human services)
- NC360 website (free referrals to local assistance with food, housing, health care, financial, child care, mental health and other needs)
- NC Crisis Intervention Program (assists qualifying individuals and families unable to pay the cost of heating or cooling their residence)
- NC Child Care Hotline for local care options for children under age 12: 1-888-600-1685
- NC health insurance options
- NC unemployment assistance
**This page was last updated June 16, 2022.**