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 pandemic-response programs
Health information
- State of North Carolina COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot locations
- North Carolina Health and Human Services COVID-19 dashboard, testing and treatment information
Individuals and families
- City of Gastonia 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
- 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 Nov. 4, 2022.**