N.C. schools will close until May 15; Gyms, salons, theaters instructed to close by Wednesday

Per an announcement from Governor Roy Cooper at a 1 p.m. press conference on Monday, schools across North Carolina will remain closed until May 15 in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. This follows a previous Executive Order on March 14 that closed K-12 schools through March 30.

The order also bans gatherings of more than 50 people statewide, and instructs businesses such as gyms, movie theaters, hair salons, and nail salons to close by Wednesday.

The governor’s order comes as the number of cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina surpassed 300 on Monday, with many more cases expected in the days to come. Per the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 8,438 tests have been conducted in the state as of Monday morning.

Dare County Schools also launched its Remote Learning Program on Monday, March 23.

• Remote learning can be accessed by any internet-enabled device, including a smartphone.
• Families that do not have access to the internet or a device can contact the DCS Technology Department for support: itsupport@daretolearn.org Phone: Call 252-480-8888 ext. 1905 and leave a message with contact information (the phone will not be manned, but the voice mailbox will be).
• The expectations for students vary depending on their grade level. Specific Expectations for elementary, middle, and high school are listed in the Parent and Student Frequently Asked Questions document. 
• Student breakfasts and lunches will continue to be available at five locations on Hatteras Island, and 17 locations throughout Dare County. See the Student Meal Program Website for info on sites and hours of operation.

The Island Free Press will continue to post updates as they become available.