Dare County reviews re-entry guidelines, current COVID-19 numbers, in Friday’s update

State Cases of COVID-19
In North Carolina, there are currently 10,923 cases of COVID-19 in 98 counties. There have been 399 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 547 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

County’s Positive Test Results at 16
Yesterday, Health & Human Services Director, Dr. Sheila Davies announced the 16th positive test result in Dare County. 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 www.darenc.com/covid19

Additional Resources Available
After receiving a number of questions from members of our business community about COVID-19, a webpage is now available that provides an overview of North Carolina Executive Orders in place that affect businesses along with answers to frequently asked questions. This includes guidance for employees, cleaning and disinfecting practices and products, and other available resources. This webpage can be found at www.darenc.com/covidbusiness.

In light of concerns over COVID-19, some people may be nervous about seeking medical care. Medical facilities are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers. In addition, many providers are now offering and encouraging the use of telehealth instead of face-to-face visits when possible. For a list of medical providers, including counselors and therapists that are offering telehealth services, visit www.darenc.com/telehealth.

Phased Entry for Property Owners Begins May 4
We look forward to welcoming non-resident property owners beginning Monday, May 4. Dare County will open to non-resident property owners who have a valid entry permit with matching government issued ID according to the schedule below:

• Monday, May 4 at 6:00 a.m. – Entry begins and is ongoing for non-resident property owners whose last name begins with A – I.
• Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 a.m. – Entry begins and is ongoing for non-resident property owners whose last name begins with J – R.
• Friday, May 8 at 6:00 a.m. – Entry begins and is ongoing for non-resident property owners whose last name begins with S – Z.

Entry permits can be obtained at darenc.com/entry. Following the instructions provided, non-resident property owners can receive permits by applying online. Permits will be issued to the two “Primary Owners” listed on the tax record for each property. Those who are entering should have permits and proper identification ready before approaching the entry checkpoint. A list of frequently asked questions about entry to Dare County is available on the COVID-19 FAQs page.

All non-resident property owners should bring their own supplies to sustain themselves in their homes as much as possible, including groceries, prescriptions, paper products and other essentials.

As the number of shoppers increases, people may experience a greater wait time to enter at grocery stores due to restrictions on the number of customers allowed entry. Shoppers should also expect to see changes in product availability as supply chain demand fluctuates across the nation. Please only purchase what you need. Local grocers are also asking people to please respect the special hours set aside for at risk populations and to minimize the number of people shopping together to minimize wait times  Information on stores that have reserved shopping hours or online ordering/curbside pickup can be found here.

As the gradual lifting of restrictions gets underway, it is important to continue to follow the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order:

• Travel only for essential needs
• Practice social distancing by maintaining at least a 6 foot distance between you and others
• Avoid direct contact with those other than your immediate family members
• Avoid gathering in groups larger than 10 people

In addition, individuals are now required to wear a mask or cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores or pharmacies. Visit darenc.com/facecoverings for more information.

Public Safety Alerts to Be Issued Next Week
As the county’s population begins to increase next week, Dare County Emergency Management will issue Public Safety Alerts using the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). IPAWS allows public safety messages to be sent to enabled wireless cellular devices that are in, or that enter Dare County.  Alerts will be similar to an Amber Alert on devices that have the public safety government alert notification feature enabled. The goal of using IPAWS to issue these public safety alerts, is to raise awareness of the State and County stay at home orders that are in place, as well as the Dare County requirement to wear a face covering in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Dare County
Dare County continues to provide services for residents, property owners and businesses. Be sure to call the department or office before you visit to reduce the need for in-person interactions. For a listing of departments and their altered or online services, visit darenc.com/covidservices.

For a list of national, state, and local resources to help individuals, families and businesses during this difficult time, visit darenc.com/covidresources.

The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 252-475-5008 to answer your COVID-19-related questions.