Dare County’s Wednesday update outlines new requirement to wear masks, Stay-at-Home extension to May 22

On Tuesday, Dare County, in consultation with the Dare County Control Group, released the Plan for Gradual Lifting of Restrictions on Entry to Dare County. This plan was developed with careful consideration of the science, trends, data, epidemiology and resource availability.

While the plan allows for staged entry for non-resident property owners starting on May 4, 2020, it is important for everyone to understand that North Carolina and Dare County remain under State of Emergencies and mandatory stay at home orders. It is critical for individuals in Dare County to follow these orders to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19.

While Dare County’s Stay Home – Stay Healthy Order was extended to May 22, 2020, this order can be modified or rescinded to meet changing conditions. The measures outlined in the order will be regularly reviewed and will remain in effect until it is determined they are no longer necessary to protect the health and safety of our community.

Under the Governor’s Executive order No. 131, restaurants are permitted to offer takeout and/or delivery only. Essential businesses may only operate if they can maintain social distancing requirements. They must also restrict maximum occupancy based on square footage and perform frequent and routine environmental cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces. Executive Order No. 131 does not have a specific end date and remains in place unless repealed, replaced or rescinded.

An additional protective measure implemented yesterday is the requirement for individuals to wear a mask or cloth face covering only in public settings where other social distancing measures cannot be maintained. 

Information on masks and face coverings is available at the CDC website. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

These are the recommendations that are to be followed in Dare County. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has information on COVID-19 and masks and children.

While these measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 may seem burdensome and frustrating, they are critically important. COVID-19 can spread quickly when people are in close proximity and have direct contact. The mitigation measures in place are proven public health tools to help slow the spread of disease.

State Cases of COVID-19

In North Carolina, there are currently 7,220 cases of COVID-19 in 93 counties. There have been 242 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 434 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

County’s Positive Test Results Remains at 15

The number of positive COVID-19 test results remains at 15. Fourteen have recovered/or are asymptomatically cleared (meaning they are seven days post-testing with no symptoms) and one died.

Federal Unemployment Assistance

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (CARES Act) provides unemployment compensation for individuals not eligible for regular unemployment insurance or any extensions to unemployment insurance. This will provide benefits to eligible self-employed workers and independent contractors. North Carolina Division of Employment Security anticipates their system will be ready to accept claims for this assistance around April 25, 2020. More information is available here.