Dare County Guidelines will Align with Statewide Stay-at-Home Modifications, per Wednesday Update

On Tuesday, May 5th, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order No. 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay at Home Order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain restrictions effective on Friday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. Dare County announced in their update that local guidelines and restrictions will align with these orders once they are in effect.

Additional updates from the county are as follows.

Department of Health & Human Services

• State Cases of COVID-19

In North Carolina, there are currently 11,848 cases of COVID-19 in 99 counties. There have been 430 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 498 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

• County’s Positive Test Results

The number of positive tests results in Dare County has remained at 18 for the past 5 days. Of the 3 individuals who tested positive last week, 2 are now asymptomatic and the other individual is recovering. All three remain in home isolation. The Dare County COVID-19 webpage has a section for quick reference which provides the most up to date information on COVID-19 cases in Dare County and also the State of North Carolina. You can find this information at darenc.com/covid19.

Dare County Guidelines and Restrictions Now Align with Statewide Orders

On Tuesday, May 5th, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order No. 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay at Home Order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain restrictions effective on Friday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. Today, Dare County rescinded the Dare County, Stay Home – Stay Healthy Order. Individuals and businesses must adhere to the provisions in all statewide Executive Orders.

While no longer required in Dare County, it is strongly recommended that individuals wear a cloth face covering when leaving the house if you may be within six feet of other people who are not household and family members. This would include indoor, community, public and business settings. Face coverings should also be worn outdoors when you cannot stay at least six feet away from other people.

Updated Information Regarding Businesses

North Carolina Executive Order 138 removes the distinction between essential and nonessential businesses. Beginning May 8 at 5:00 p.m., retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity and will be required to direct customers to stand 6 feet apart, perform frequent cleaning, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more. The Order allows people to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.

Certain businesses are to remain closed during Phase 1 including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers through drive through, take-out and delivery.

Mass Gatherings 

Mass gatherings remain limited to 10 or fewer individuals, however these get-togethers can now include non-family members as long as they are being held outdoors.

According to Executive Order 138, a house, household, place of residence, or current place of abode, where more than ten (10) people reside is not a mass gathering.

Places of worship may hold services that exceed the Mass Gathering limit of 10 people if those services are held outdoors and in an unenclosed space and if attendees follow social distancing guidance.

Additional Information 

View the Frequently Asked Questions document for more information on Executive Order 138 and moving into Phase 1 of easing restrictions.

Additional information is also available at www.darenc.com/covid19

Remain Vigilant 

COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus and remains a significant public health threat. We must remain vigilant and do our part to prevent the spread of the virus. The state is promoting for everyone in North Carolina to follow the three W’s when you leave your home: Wear a face covering, Wash your hands, and Wait six feet apart.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with COVID-19. The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. This type of spread is not a concern after death.

It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Maintaining social distancing and practicing good hygiene including washing hands and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces remain valuable tools we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The next bulletin will be issued no later than Friday, May 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.