In Response to COVID-19

Update: 6/9/2021

Hello visitors and local friends. We are thrilled you have visited our local Hickory Metro COVID-19 information page. We are now over a year into this COVID-19 pandemic and this new daily (always changing) normal. As we try to keep everyone safe, we wanted to update you on openings, closings, changes in service, and other pieces of information we feel locals and visitors might find helpful. 

As of now most restaurants are open with social distanced seating and masks are not required if you are a fully vaccinated patron or restaurant staff. We encourage you to take this seriously to help us flatten the curve. Please wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated and if you need a mask, or want a great “Hickory” mask check out our merchandise site here. We also have t-shirts, sweatshirts and more! 

We also encourage you and your family to keep hand sanitizer near - we have tons of shops locally that offer hand made hand sanitizer that smells amazing! Support local! Artisan Soapery, Carolina Crafted & more. 

Our Hotels and over night accommodations are open and accepting reservations. Please note that some properties may have more strict cleaning procedures which could impact check-in/check-out processes. For more information on where to stay in the Metro click here. 

Here are some resources that our community and tourism partners are working to implement and we ask that as a visitor and local you plan to help do your part in these as well. We all must do our part to protect the health and wellness of those around us. Remember the three W's - Wear. Wait. Wash. 

Helpful Resources:

Listings on the www.Visithickorymetro.com website – Moving forward listings for restaurants, shops and attractions will now have updated information on their COVID-19 guidelines and new amenities that they are offering. If they have an online shop that will be listed as well. 

Count on Me NC - "Count on Me NC" is a health and safety campaign created in partnership with Visit NC, NC Restaurant & Lodging Association, NC State University and other entities in North Carolina. This campaign offers FREE online training to restaurant owners, managers and staff as well as Hoteliers, Attractions. Visitors Centers, and even has a component for locals and visitors to take the training to understand how to travel and visit locations in a safe manor. Once locations take the training programs they will receive a printable certificate as well as an opportunity to download decals and logos to use on their organizations social media accounts, website and also display in their brick and mortar location. Also, once a manager or owner completes the online training they will be able to have their business listed on the Count on Me NC website as a participating NC business. Again this is FREE to all who would like to complete the training and everyone can access the information here. As a local and visitor we encourage you to also participate in this to learn how to visit safely as we move forward. 

Open & Safe - The Chamber of Catawba County has pulled together resources for many industries in their new Open & Safe playbook. Businesses and individuals do not have to be a Chamber member to participate and there is no cost to participate at the minimum level. That's right this is a FREE resource. If a business or you individually would like to purchase a package that includes accessories, window clings, yard signs and more the cost is nominal and is not limited to Chamber members. This is a great way to show locals and visitors that Hickory & the Metro region are re-opening safely and keeping businesses and the customers safety front of mind. If you have questions or would like to know more contact The Chamber of Catawba County 828-328-6111 or visit their website.

Hickory Metro Convention Center - For information on how the Hickory Metro Convention Center will be reopening as the phases permit, check out this page. 

Remember, we can all do our part in helping local businesses stay in business. 

• Shopping curb-side and wearing your mask in the store locations. 
• Drive through, delivery and take out options for your favorite restaurants.
• Online shopping at local shops – especially this Holiday Season!
• Buying gift cards to stores and restaurants to use a later dates (gift cards mean cash NOW for a business to stay afloat)
• Tipping extra where you can - especially on takeout, delivery or curbside services

**Please note - during phase three we are encouraging those with weaker immune systems, those prone to sickness and those with preexisting conditions to remain at home as much as possible. If you are sick, have any symptoms of COVID-19 please stay home to help stop the spread of this disease. 

For up to date information on COVID-19: 

NC Department of Health & Human Services webpage 

Catawba County Public Health webpage 

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Information on Small Business Loans & other information on business information during the COVID-19 crisis - The Chamber of Catawba County

Please watch here and these linked sites as well as our social media outlets for updated resources to help navigate this shifting landscape. We will get through this together and we are in this together.

#HickoryMetroStrong