What’s allowed under Dare County’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” Declaration

Dare County has imposed additional restrictions under the State of Emergency Declaration that is currently in effect for COVID-19.

The “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” directive goes into effect on Saturday, March 28 at 5:00 p.m. and is being implemented to further minimize opportunities for exposure and transmission of COVID-19 in the County.

Restrictions remain in effect prohibiting non-resident property owners and visitors from entering Dare County. The declaration directs citizens to “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” and to limit movements outside of their homes that are not deemed essential and limit gatherings to no more than 10 people.

Guidelines on the new “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” Declaration are as follows:

Individuals authorized to be in Dare County may:

• Go to the grocery, convenience store, or gas stations
• Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and healthcare necessities
• Visit a health care facility for medical services (Please call your healthcare provider first to see if services can be provided virtually prior to visiting.)
• Go to a restaurant for take-out or drive-thru service (delivery is allowed)
• Care for or support a friend, family member, or pet
• Go outside to take a walk, go to the beach, go for a bike ride, hike, jog (only if social distancing measures of 6 feet are maintained)
• Help others to get necessary supplies
• Receive deliveries

Individuals authorized to be in Dare County shall NOT:

• Go outside of their home if they are sick
• Travel, except for essential travel and activities
• Go to work, unless providing essential services as defined by this order
• Gather in groups of more than 10 people
• Be closer than 6 feet from others if out in public
• Visit friends and family if there is no specific, urgent need
• Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facilities, or other residential care facilities, except for limited exceptions as provided by the specific facility

Activities that are considered essential:

• In general, activities that fall under these categories are considered essential.
• For health and safety
• To get necessary supplies and services
• For outdoor activities (walking, hiking, golfing, running, cycling, accessing the
• beach and parks that remain open)
• To work for essential businesses/operations
• To take care of others in need