Dare County provides COVID-19 updates for Wednesday

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our country and in the state of North Carolina continues to grow.

Earlier today, the County’s Division of Public Health announced the first positive test result for COVID-19 in Dare County. The individual has been self-isolating since originally being tested in Dare County and is reported to be doing well. No additional details will be released about the individual to protect patient privacy. Dare County Department of Health & Human Services staff is actively investigating this individual’s activity and anyone who is determined to have been in direct contact with the individual will be notified by public health staff.

The public will continue to be notified of any additional individuals who test positive for COVID-19 in Dare County as soon as possible.

To protect yourself and your family, remain vigilant and continue to follow recommendations from the CDC and NCDHHS. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Stay home and eliminate nonessential travel. If you must go out, practice social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet away from others. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face. Stay home if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces as much as possible.

Dare County remains under a State of Emergency. Restrictions remain in place prohibiting access to Dare County for visitors and non-resident property owners. The Dare County Control Group continues to meet daily to receive updates and make any decisions necessary to protect the public health and safety of our citizens.

Dare County
Dare County is regularly updating a webpage with frequently asked questions about COVID-19.  A community resources webpage is also available for those impacted by COVID-19.

The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to help address your questions on testing, travel restrictions, and symptoms, and  can be reached at 252.475.5008.

National Park Service
To minimize potential spread of 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.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

• The Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island visitor centers are closed.
• 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.
• The Oregon Inlet Campground is closed.
• The grounds of the Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke Light Stations are open.
• Beachgoers should use caution in the ocean as no lifeguards are on duty at this time of year.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (NHS)

• The grounds of Fort Raleigh NHS are open.
• Fort Raleigh NHS visitor center is closed.

Wright Brothers National Memorial (NMEM)

• The grounds of Wright Brothers NMEM are open. The collection of park entrance fees is suspended until further notice.
• Wright Brothers NMEM visitor center and the reconstructed 1903 camp buildings are closed.

For National Park Service COVID-19 updates, visit www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

The next bulletin will be issued no later than 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.