Businesses start to reopen under state’s three-phased approach to lift restrictions, per Dare County update
A number of local businesses are in the process of reopening, (while following recommended guidance from officials to protect public health and safety), per a Wednesday afternoon update from Dare County.
Policies continue to be in place for Dare County that align with North Carolina’s three-phased approach to lift restrictions. The state is currently still in “Phase 1,” which allows a range of retail businesses to open, provided they instill additional protective measures.
Additional updates from Dare County for Wednesday, May 13, are as follows.
Department of Health & Human Services
- State Cases of COVID-19
In North Carolina, there are currently 15,816 cases of COVID-19 in 99 counties. There have been 597 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 521 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.
- County’s Positive Test Results
The number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 21. Of those 21, 16 have recovered or are asymptomatically cleared, 1 died and 4 are active. For the most up to date information on COVID-19 cases in Dare County and the State of North Carolina, visit darenc.com/covid19.
Business Guidance
Policies currently in place for Dare County align with North Carolina’s three-phased approach to lift restrictions. Phase 1 of the plan is currently in effect and all businesses are reminded to ensure they follow the state’s executive order guidelines. No date has been announced by the state for the implementation of Phase 2 which is expected to include limited opening of restaurants, bars and other businesses that can follow strict safety protocols (reduced capacity).
With the return of visitors this weekend, many local businesses are in the process of reopening and following recommended guidance from health officials to protect public health and safety. This involves implementing updated procedures for cleaning, screening employees, and planning for ways to maintain social distancing within their store. Visit darenc.com/covidbusiness to access the County’s webpage that is designed specifically to answer frequently asked questions and provide resources for Dare County businesses.
A number of questions have arisen regarding what will happen in certain circumstances as our population increases. Some questions are employee-related, others have to do with cleaning, while some want to know what to do if a positive test is reported by a guest staying in a rental home or hotel room. DCDHHS provides answers to all of these questions and more at darenc.com/covidbusiness.
The page will continue to be updated as additional questions arise. If you need additional information please e-mail covid19@darenc.com.
Continue to Practice the Three W’s
You will continue to hear local and state health officials stress the importance of the Three W’s (Wear. Wait. Wash.) to slow the spread of COVID-19.
If you leave home, practice your Ws: Wear, Wait, Wash.
- Wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people.
- Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Make this your mantra. Focus on practicing and repeating these three things and encouraging others to do the same. It can make a positive difference for our community. Also, help share accurate information – a packet of graphics and social media posts have been compiled and are available at darenc.com/covidbusiness for you and your business to share.
Testing and Positive Cases
As reported yesterday in the Health and Human Services Director’s video, the number of COVID-19 tests being reported in Dare County has been increasing over time. As testing increases there may be more laboratory-confirmed cases. Each day, seven days a week, DCHHS updates the COVID-19 case counts for Dare County and North Carolina on the Dare County website. This data now includes the active count. For the most up to date information on COVID-19 cases, visit darenc.com/covid19.
Trends and Key Metrics
NCDHHS is providing trend updates on the four key metrics being tracked as part of their COVID-19 disease investigation and surveillance. The data provides important information on the intensity and spread of COVID-19 in our community. The four key metrics being tracked include weekly number of tests, laboratory confirmed cases, positive tests as a percent of total tests and COVID like illness surveillance. Dare County DHHS Director Dr. Sheila Davies provides a weekly update on these key metrics for Dare County that is shared as part of her Tuesday video message. This reporting will continue through the summer.
The Dare County Board of Commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 18 at 5:00 p.m. at the Dare County Administration Building in Manteo. The meeting will be streamed live and can be accessed on the Dare County YouTube Channel. Public comments may be presented to the Board by sending an email prior to or during the meeting to dcboc@darenc.com.
During the May 18 Commissioners meeting, there will be a Public Hearing on Temporary Provisions for Restaurants and Mobile Food Units. Comments for the Public Hearing may be sent via email to dcboc@darenc.com.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than Friday, May 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.
