Dare County releases Tuesday’s COVID-19 update

In North Carolina, there are currently 1,498 cases of COVID-19 in 77 counties. There have been eight fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 157 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

The second positive test result in Dare County was announced earlier today. The individual has been self-isolating since being tested last week and continues to be monitored. It is believed the individual acquired the virus through direct contact when out of the area. This is not a case of community spread. The individual’s spouse has also been tested but results have not yet been received. Dare County Department of Health & Human Services staff is conducting an active investigation into this individual’s activity. Anyone who is determined to have had direct contact will be notified by public health staff. Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will continue to report on any positive case as soon as possible.

Do not let your guard down. We are not immune from this virus. All of us MUST do our part to adhere to the stay at home order and other recommendations from health professionals to limit the spread of COVID-19 to keep existing health care systems from becoming overburdened and unable to meet the needs of the public. Stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people and stay at least six feet apart from others.

The Governor’s Stay at Home Order – Executive Order No. 121 – issued on March 27 is now in effect for the entire state for the next 30 days. Dare County has amended the State of Emergency Declaration and all current restrictions and orders remain in effect until April 30 unless modified, extended or rescinded to meet changing conditions.

As part of Dare County’s State of Emergency Declaration, restrictions on entry for visitors and non-resident property owners remain in place and may be extended if necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public. Law enforcement continues to work diligently to enforce entry restrictions and to take appropriate action for those violating the emergency declaration.

Dare County
The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached at 252.475.5008. Staff members are available to help address your questions.

For updated information regarding Dare County services and department operations, visit www.darenc.com/covidservices. A list of community resources is available for those impacted by COVID-19 at darenc.com/covidresources.

Dare County Social Services has announced that individuals who are receiving food and nutrition benefits will possibly receive additional funds. NC DHHS received approval to issue Food and Nutrition supplements up to the maximum of the household’s monthly benefit. NC DHHS will begin automatically issuing March 2020 supplements on April 1, 2020 and for April 2020 supplements on April 22, 2020. More information can be found at darenc.com/covidresources.

National Park Service
All indoor areas at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial are temporarily closed.

Park lands continue to be open for the purposes of activities described under North Carolina’s Executive Order 121 and Dare County’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” declaration. Visit http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess for the current status of Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches. Off-road vehicle permits can be purchased at www.recreation.gov.

As services are limited, the National Park Service urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.

The next bulletin will be issued no later than 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1.

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