Saturday update from Dare Couty on the COVID-19 response
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the nation and our state continues to grow. In North Carolina, there are now 185 reported cases in 36 counties. Medical Providers in Dare County continue to test patients who meet criteria for testing which includes fever of 100.4, cough and symptoms of respiratory illness.
At this time, there have been no individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County. When an individual tests positive for COVID-19 in Dare County, that information will be shared as soon as possible.
To protect the public health and safety for our community, restrictions remain in place prohibiting
visitors and non-resident property owners from entering Dare County. Checkpoints are located at entry points to the county. For detailed information regarding entry, visit darenc.com/entry.
The COVID-19 Call Center is receiving many calls with regard to the restrictions that have been implemented. Those who would like to share their concerns regarding the decision to restrict access to non-resident property owners and visitors may submit an email to covid19@darenc.com.
Dare County
Residents are encouraged to rely on credible sources for updated information regarding COVID-19. Visit the CDC website www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or NCDHHS at www.ncdhhs.gov/cornoavirus. For information specific to Dare County, visit www.darenc.com/covid19.
The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached at 252.475.5008.
For updated information regarding Dare County services, visit www.darenc.com/covidservices.
Town of Southern Shores
Following the Mayor’s declaration of a State of Emergency, the Town of Southern Shores is taking proactive steps to protect the health and well-being of our citizens and staff in the face of growing cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 both around the nation and here in North Carolina. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020 and continuing until further notice, government operations for the Town of Southern Shores have been modified in the following manner:
Town Hall
Town Hall is currently closed to the public and all Town Hall business is being conducted via phone, email, fax, or other virtual means to the greatest extent possible. Documents requiring delivery to Town Staff can be placed in the drop box located outside the main entrance into Town Hall (nearest the flagpole).
Meetings
The March 24, 2020 budget work session meeting has been cancelled. The meetings of all appointed Town advisory boards, commissions and committees will be modified to reduce vulnerability of people and property of the Town of Southern Shores. Town Staff will be in contact with these respective groups to outline meeting procedures going forward. Meetings of groups not affiliated with government operations are not permitted in Town buildings until further notice.
Building Inspections
Building inspections are being conducted as normal, however, meetings in person on site are limited.
Permitting
Permit applications can be found on the Town website (www.southernshores-nc.gov) by utilizing the link to Citizenserve.
Trash and Recycling
Trash and recycling are being collected as scheduled.
Police Department Building
The Police Department Building is currently closed to the public and all non-emergent business is being conducted via phone, email, fax, or other virtual means to the greatest extent possible. If you have business with the Police Department and need to contact someone there, please call 252-261-3331 or email Jennifer Couture at jcouture@southernshores-nc.gov. In the event of an emergency, please call 911. For all non-emergencies, please call the non-emergency dispatch number at 252-473-3444.
Town of Kitty Hawk
All Town of Kitty Hawk offices are open normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). However, in the interest of safety for our visitors and staff, face-to-face contact will be limited.
Before visiting any Kitty Hawk office, please check the appropriate website or call to discuss the best way to conduct business.
Town Hall and Planning
(252) 261-3552
Kitty Hawk Police Department
https://www.kittyhawkpolice.com/
(252) 261-3895
As always, call 911 for any emergency. Non-emergency calls can be made to Dare Central at 252-473-3444.
Kitty Hawk Fire Department
(252) 261-2666
Kitty Hawk Public Works
https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/departments-and-services/public-works/
The Recycle Center remains open, with normal operating hours. Attendants will NOT be able to assist in the unloading of materials being dropped off at the Center.
All Town Parks remain open at this time. They will be professionally sanitized twice per week during off peak hours.
We thank you for your cooperation and patience.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
Access to Town Hall offices is by appointment only. Our regular business hours are M-F, 8-5 p.m. If you have business with the Town call, email, or visit our website to schedule an appointment or to gain additional assistance.
Please refer to our website www.kdhnc.com for Department’s contact information and updates to their daily operations. An updated list of cancelled Town meetings and events is also available on our website.
The Town of Kill Devil Hills is taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously. Our top priority continues to be the health, safety, and well-being of everyone.
Together, we can help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 by practicing social distancing. When in public, avoid crowds and maintain a minimum distance of six feet between you and others.
Social distancing does not mean social isolation. During this difficult time, it is imperative that we stay connected and support one another.
Some ways to stay connected, while keeping your distance, include:
- Reaching out to one friend or family member a day via text, phone, or video chat
- Sending someone special a handwritten letter
- Having a loved one read your child a book through a virtual resource like FaceTime
- Using online resources to learn a new hobby with another family member
- Seeking support when needed
We are facing this pandemic together as a community. We must proceed with patience, understanding, and a positive attitude.
Town of Nags Head
The Town of Nags Head’s Board of Commissioners has called an emergency meeting to be held today, Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. at the Nags Head Board of Commissioners Meeting Room located at 5401 S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC. The purpose of the meeting is for 1) discussion of the Town’s response to COVID 19; 2) discussion of recent restrictions imposed on access to the Town; 3) consideration of additional restrictions that may be taken by other authorities that impact the Town; and 4) actions that need to be taken in relation to items 1), 2) and/or 3).
Town of Manteo
The Town of Manteo’s highest priority is the health, safety, and welfare of community members, staff, and other stakeholders. We are working hard to maintain continuity of government while continuing to deliver critical services to the community. Please limit access to Town Hall to urgent situations only. Please call 252-473-2133 first to see if your item can be handled over the phone, online, or through other means.
Water and Sewer
Utility payments can be made online at HTTPS://WWW.PAYBILL.COM/TownOfManteo or by phone at 866-245-5285. Also, payments can be placed in the drop box on the side of Town Hall next to the parking lot, or they can be mailed to P.O. Box 246 in Manteo (27954).
Clean tap water and sanitary sewer service are important in maintaining public health. Therefore, the Town has suspended disconnection of water and sewer service during this emergency period. Please note that all utility fees will still be charged.
Sanitation
Trash and recycling collection services are continuing on their normal schedules.
Permits and Inspections
Permit applications and inspection requests can be sent via FAX to 252-473-2135, e-mailed to mdickerson@manteonc.gov, placed in the drop box on the side of Town Hall next to the parking lot, or mailed to P.O. Box 246 in Manteo (27954). Permit fees can be placed in the drop box or mailed to the post office box. If you have questions regarding your application, please call Town Hall at 252-473-2133.
Inspections are continuing, but contractors are expected to limit their presence to one or two people at most, with social distancing to be observed throughout the inspection.
Police Department
If you have an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency situations, please call 252-473-2069 for assistance by the Manteo Police Department. Also, there is a call box located at the police department entrance, so please use this box especially if you are feeling ill or have been exposed to sickness.
Marina
In accordance with access restrictions under the Dare County emergency declaration, the Downtown Marina will prohibit visitors (from outside of Dare County) from docking or mooring at Town facilities.
Parks
Town of Manteo parks remain open, including George Washington Creef Park and Cartwright Park. However, park visitors are expected to avoid crowd-gathering and maintain social distancing.
Playgrounds and Public Restrooms
In accordance with the latest public health guidance, Town playgrounds are closed until further notice, including Collis Gallop Playground next to Cartwright Park and David Farrow Playground by the waterfront. Public restrooms are also closed, including facilities at Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, Cartwright Park, and Magnolia Marketplace Pavilion.
Board Meetings
The Budget Retreat with the Board of Commissioners scheduled for March 27, 2020 has been postponed. The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners scheduled for April 1, 2020 will be held via telephone conference or other means in accordance with NC General Statute 143.318.13. The public will be allowed to access or listen to the meeting, and the access numbers and information will be published as soon as possible.
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 (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.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.
