NC Releases New Cover-19 Mitigation Measures

Dare County Bulletin #2

March 17, 2020
11:50 a.m.
In response to updated guidelines from the CDC to avoid discretionary travel and follow the The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, the Dare County Control Group has made the decision to restrict visitor access to Dare County beginning today, Tuesday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m.

While there are currently no individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County, officials weighed the potential benefits for community health along with the tremendous impacts these restrictions have on our community. These restrictions may be inconvenient, disappointing and have financial impacts, however, they were made in the interest of public safety to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning at 2:00 p.m., checkpoints will be established at entry points to Dare County and no visitors will be allowed access. Permanent residents, non-resident property owners and non-resident employees of Dare County businesses may review entry guidelines at www.darenc.com/entry. Reentry permits from previous years will not be accepted. Staff is working to activate the online permitting system by 1:00 p.m.

To avoid contact with personnel, please display your permit on your dashboard so it is clearly visible for checkpoint personnel.

Visitors will not be allowed to travel through Dare County to access Currituck County (Corolla), Hyde County (Ocracoke Island), or Tyrrell County. People who reside, own property or work in Corolla or Ocracoke will be allowed entry.

Personnel working at the Emergency Operations Center are available to answer COVID-19 related questions using a dedicated phone line. Please call 252.475.5008. Personnel anticipates a high volume of calls. If you reach a voicemail, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

General COVID-19 Information
There are currently 39 individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in North Carolina. Currently, no individuals in Dare County have tested positive for COVID-19.
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, 15 Days to Slow the Spread
Yesterday the federal government announced guidelines and a plan to slow the spread of COVID-19. Dare County will adhere to the guidance from CDC and North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS). All Dare County community members should adhere to the guidelines that were issued and available at www.coronavirus.gov.

Outer Banks Hospital
The Outer Banks Hospital has implemented new visitor restrictions. Only one immediate family member over the age of 16 and not exhibiting any symptoms of illness may visit a patient at The Outer Banks Hospital and/or Medical Group clinic.

Starting today, Tuesday, March 17, The Outer Banks Hospital will begin screening patients and visitors for symptoms of illness as they enter the Medical Office Building and Main Lobby. Patients and visitors with illness will be masked and asked to sanitize their hands prior to going to their appointment.

Town and Agency Specific Information & Cancellations
Cancellations, closings and the most current information from the towns and the National Park Service is available at www.darenc.com/covid19.

Town of Nags Head Update #2

Nags Head's Police Department is committed to providing a high level of law enforcement services to our residents and visitors. During the current National Emergency, we will continue to provide this service at the same time doing our best to safeguard the health of our staff and citizens.

Effective immediately our officers have been instructed to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment while on calls. We ask for your help and understanding in the following actions:
If your request for service is non-emergent in nature, we may call you back in order to handle your situation via phone.
When we arrive on scene, we may request that you exit your home or business to speak with our officer outside.
Upon arrival the officer may inquire about the health of those in your home if he or she chooses to enter.
If you come to the Police Department you will find that our service window is closed. However, we can still answer your questions and concerns through the window.
Please do not be offended if our officer and staff choose not to shake your hand, this is temporary.

Please be patient. We hope you understand the above changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 252-449-2012 or email phil.webster@nagsheadnc.gov.

If you need emergency assistance, we will be there as always. For emergency assistance call 911 or Dare County Communications at 252-473-3444.

Other News

The Police Department's annual Easter egg hunt, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 11, has been cancelled.
Nags Head Fire and Rescue has postponed all CPR/AED, first aid courses, and fire safety classes. In addition, the public's use of the fire stations for non-emergency purposes is postponed effective immediately.

Previously Released Information

Trade permits can now be applied for and issued online. Additionally, in some cases we are able to make arrangements over the phone or by email to coordinate the submittal of building permit applications and materials, issue permits and take payments. If you need assistance or would like to discuss how we may be able to meet your needs remotely, please call 252-441-7016 or email planning@nagsheadnc.gov.
All residents are encouraged to conduct utilities payments with the Town using its online feature https://selfservice.nagsheadnc.gov or depositing your payment in our Town Hall utilities payment drop box located outside by the Town Hall flag pole or by calling the Town offices at 441-5508 and making your payment over the phone during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). To sign up for automatic draft please call us or email water@nagsheadnc.gov.
All residents are encouraged to conduct other business with the Town, where possible, by calling the Town offices at 252-441-5508 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
The town-wide cleanup day scheduled for March 28 has been cancelled and no new date has been set yet.
No crowd gathering permits or park applications are being taken at this time.
In accordance with Section 14-1 of the Town Code and pursuant to NCGS 166A-19.31, the Mayor has declared a State of Emergency in the Town of Nags Head in order to limit the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to help protect the health and well-being of residents and visitors in the Town of Nags Head. The Mayor has prohibited mass gatherings in the Town of Nags Head as follows. A mass gathering is defined as any event or convening that brings together more than fifty (50) persons in a single room or single space at the same time, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs, and festivals. A mass gathering does not include normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where more than fifty (50) persons are gathered. It also does not include office environments, restaurants, factories, grocery stores or other retail establishments. This prohibition is in effect as of Monday, March 16. 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded.

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