Dare County provides Coronavirus updates for Tuesday, March 17
In response to updated guidelines from the CDC to avoid discretionary travel and follow The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, checkpoints were established restricting visitor access to Dare County at 2:00 p.m. today.
Due to high demand for the online entry permitting system, some users have experienced difficulties applying for entry permits. We apologize for the inconvenience. In lieu of an entry permit, permanent residents will be allowed entry with a valid NC driver’s license or government-issued identification card with a local address. Non-resident property owners will be allowed entry with a current tax bill or parcel data sheet with matching current government-issued id or an entry permit with matching current government-issued identification. Non-resident employees may show documentation providing proof of employment such as pay stubs, employee identification badges, etc.
Personnel working at the Emergency Operations Center are available to answer COVID-19 related questions using a dedicated phone line. Please call 252.475.5008. Personnel anticipates a high volume of calls. If you reach a voicemail, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
North Carolina to Close Restaurants & Bars for Dine-In Customers
Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force held a media briefing today at 2 p.m. At that briefing, Governor Cooper announced a new executive order in response to COVID-19 that closes restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allows them to continue takeout and delivery orders. The executive order will also include an expansion of unemployment insurance to help North Carolina workers affected by COVID-19. The order is effective at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, 15 Days to Slow the Spread
Yesterday the federal government announced guidelines and a plan to slow the spread of COVID-19. Dare County will adhere to the guidance from CDC and North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS). All Dare County community members should adhere to the following guidelines:
- If you feel sick, stay at home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
- If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
- If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk, stay at home and away from other people.
Even individuals who are young, or otherwise healthy, are at risk and their activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that everyone does their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.
It is recommended that individuals work from home whenever possible. Individuals who work in critical infrastructure industry, such as healthcare services or food supply, have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. Those individuals and employers should follow CDC guidance.
Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people, discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits. Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
Practice everyday preventive actions and good hygiene now. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces, going to the bathroom, before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and as much as possible.
Following the mayoral declaration of a state of emergency, the Town of Duck is implementing strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to protect citizens and staff. Residential and commercial collections will continue as scheduled. The Town Hall is currently open, but we ask that you call or email before visiting. We may be able to assist you remotely. The Public Safety building is closed to non-emergent issues, including facility tours and the T-shirt shop. Please call or email the office to ask how we may be able to assist you remotely. 252-255-1234 info@townofduck.com. Non-essential Town events have been cancelled or postponed until April 15. This includes beach planting, lectures, and other community events. Plans for the Council meeting scheduled for April 1, 2020, will be evaluated and updates shared on the Town website, E-news, and social media channels. Please expect face-to-face meetings with staff to be postponed or conducted electronically.
Following the Mayor’s declaration of a State of Emergency, the Town of Southern Shores is taking proactive steps to protect the health and well-being of our citizens in the face of growing cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 both around the nation and here in North Carolina. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020 and continuing until further notice, government operations for the Town of Southern Shores will be modified in the following manner. Town Hall will be closed to the public and all Town Hall business shall be conducted via phone, email, fax, or other virtual means to the greatest extent possible. Documents requiring delivery to Town staff can be placed in the drop box located outside the main entrance into Town Hall (nearest the flagpole). The meetings of all appointed Town advisory boards, commissions and committees will be modified to reduce vulnerability of people and property of the Town of Southern Shores. Meetings of groups not affiliated with government operations are not permitted in Town buildings until further notice. There is no change to the format or schedule of the Council meetings at this time, however, that may be modified in the future if needed. Building inspections will be conducted as normal, however, meetings in person on site will be limited. Permit applications can be found on the Town website by utilizing the link to CitizenServe.
The Town of Kill Devil Hills’ top priority continues to be the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens. In an effort to promote good health and to interrupt the potential spreading of illnesses. The Town has been applying precautionary measures in an effort to protect both our Staff and our citizens.In addition, the Town of Kill Devil Hills realizes that many families could be facing hardships and we are here to assist and service our utility customers during this critical time. Water disconnections scheduled for March 25th will be suspended; however, water charges will still apply. We strongly encourage you to make your payment by mail, phone or online to limit public contact. For any questions regarding your account, please call 252-480-4080.
The Town of Nags Head offices are open normal business hours. However, in the interest of safety of our visitors and Nags Head staff, face-to-face contact will be limited. Before visiting the Town of Nags Head offices, please check our website or call us to verify if services can be received online or over the phone.
To minimize potential spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), consistent with federal, state, and local advisories, visitor centers at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial are temporarily closed, effective immediately.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Off-road vehicle (ORV) permits can be purchased online at www.recreation.gov. The status of each ORV ramp and beach route can be found at http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
- Beachgoers should use caution in the ocean as no lifeguards are on duty at this time of year.
- The Oregon Inlet Campground, the Seashore’s only year-round campground, is closed.
- The grounds of Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke Lighthouses are open.
- The Ocracoke Island roadside cleanup scheduled for March 26 is canceled.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
- The grounds of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are open.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
- The grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial are open.
