CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center is closing to the public because of a surge in COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg County.

The city issued a statement saying the center would be closed to the public beginning on Thursday. According to the statement, the closure applies to public meetings held by the Charlotte City Council, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education.

The public can participate in meetings virtually by signing up with the clerk's office from each elected body. Public meetings will also be televised, shown online on the GOV Channel website and on social media.