With the Omicron variant looming and health experts predicting a major spread within the next few weeks, local business owners are starting to get concerned about the possibility of firmer restrictions. Mecklenburg County has not yet made any announcements regarding tighter restrictions, but many local business owners feel they are coming. On the outside of businesses, you’ll see signs that inform customers about the county’s current mask mandate. But on the inside of many businesses, that mandate is not currently being enforced.