Dare County Latest Bulletin

Bulletin #13
March 23, 2020
1:10 p.m.
The Dare County Control Group met Monday morning, March 23 to receive an update regarding COVID-19 and discuss issues related to the health and safety of our community. Currently, all critical services including law enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, and healthcare, including the Outer Banks Hospital are operational and able to meet the needs of our residents. Essential supplies, including food and water, continue to be delivered to local stores. Residents should continue to purchase food, supplies, and medications as they need them but remember if you do go out, stay at least six feet from others at all times.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the nation continues to grow. In the United States there are now more than 35,000 cases and in North Carolina there are 298 reported cases in 45 out of our state’s 100 counties. 

North Carolina is releasing statewide numbers of the COVID-19 tests being conducted. So far, North Carolina has administered 8,438 tests. This is not an inclusive number of every test that has been conducted in North Carolina, as hospitals and private labs are not required to report the number of tests. They are, however, required to report positive cases. Local public health departments are still being advised to adhere to communicable disease guidelines and only release positive test results.

Medical Providers in Dare County continue to test patients who are symptomatic and meet criteria for testing which includes: fever of 100.4 or greater, cough and symptoms of respiratory illness. 

There have not been any individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County. When there is a positive test result, this information will be shared as soon as possible.  

It is imperative that we all do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and everyone is asked to refrain from unnecessary travel. The actions you take now to prevent the spread will have a direct impact on our entire community. The only way to protect family, friends and neighbors who are at high risk is to stay home and avoid all nonessential contact with others. Limit trips for groceries, gas, and other essentials. If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet from others at all times. It cannot be stressed enough that staying home and limiting unnecessary travel is the most effective way to control the spread of this virus. 

It is understandable that the outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and our community stronger. We have recently released two videos that address physical and mental well being. These videos can be found on Dare County’s YouTube Channel.  If you or your child/teen need help with the stress or anxiety you are facing, there are resources in our county to assist. Please call PORT Health at 252.441.2324 or Trillium Health Resources at 877.685.2415.

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/coronavirus. 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.

The Outer Banks Hospital
Due to the spread of COVID-19 in eastern North Carolina, The Outer Banks Hospital is now prohibiting all visitors. To accommodate special circumstances on a case-by-case basis, the following areas will allow (after an on-site screening) ONE healthy adult visitor:

• Maternity and Postpartum Unit
• Clinics located inside the hospital
• End of life patients
• Discharge pickup
• Emergency departments – pediatric patients and patients requiring assistance only
• Other situations on a case-by-case basis

Our Outer Banks Medical Group clinics are allowing one healthy adult visitor per patient.

Beginning Monday, March 23, The Outer Banks Hospital is rescheduling outpatient procedures and visits that can wait a few weeks. Examples include mammogram screenings, bone dexa scans, and some rehabilitative therapy. If you have a scheduled appointment over the next two weeks for one of these appointments that can be delayed, you will receive a call to reschedule your appointment. 

The outpatient walk-in lab is open; however, we strongly encourage patients to delay coming in if their test can wait a few weeks. A good example of a lab test that can wait is an annual wellness lab draw.

The Outer Banks Medical Group is gearing up to offer virtual visits (phone or computer) for established patients in order to continue care and limit potential exposure to the virus. If you are an established patient of an Outer Banks Medical Group clinic and you need to be seen, please call the office to see what options are available to you and your unique situation. If you already have an appointment scheduled, our staff will be reaching out to you. 
 
Town of Duck
Town Office 
To protect our citizens and staff, we ask you to call or email the office to ask how we may be able to assist you remotely. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Contact information:
252-255-1234 
info@townofduck.com
www.townofduck.com

Services
Trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled, with the addition of a residential recycling collection on March 30.

The Public Safety building is closed to non-emergency issues, including facility tours and the T-shirt shop.

Meetings
The Advisory Committee meeting for the Comprehensive & Land Use Plan update schedule for Wednesday, March 25 has been postponed.

Plans for streaming the Council meeting scheduled for April 1, 2020 are being evaluated. We will post instructions closer to the meeting date.

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 remain 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
www.kittyhawknc.gov
(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
www.kittyhawkfd.com
(252) 261-2666
Kitty Hawk Public Works
https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/departments-and-services/public-works/
(252) 261-1367

Trash Collection is on a normal schedule.
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
Town offices are accessible 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. 

Facts over fear: Know the facts about COVID-19 and help stop the rumors. With numerous discussions regarding COVID-19 taking place on various social platforms, it can be difficult to distinguish fact from rumor. Rumors regarding COVID-19 are harmful. Be sure to get factual information from reliable sources. A list of reliable sources and helpline phone numbers are listed on our website: www.kdhnc.com

CommUNITY: We are facing this pandemic together as a community. While we must physically stand apart (at least 6 ft.), it is vital that we stand together in solidarity. Take a deep breath. Proceed with patience. Be kind and help your neighbors.
The resiliency of our community is unmatched. We will get through these trying times together.

Throughout this difficult and uncertain time, we want to assure you that the Town of Kill Devil Hills is here for you. We are continuously working hard to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of everyone. We will continue monitoring, communicating information, and implementing preparedness measures against COVID-19.

Town of Nags Head
We are imploring the public to refrain from entering any Town offices, including Town Hall and our Public Works facility.  The administrative offices of our police and fire departments remain closed to the public. Police and fire employees will continue to work and provide assistance. For questions or needs concerning police-related matters, call the Police Department at 252-441-6386 / 252-449-2026. For fire and rescue-related matters, call the Fire Department at 252-441-5909.  As always, call 911 for any emergency. Non-emergency calls can be made to Dare Central at 252-473-3444.

Help us keep our community and our employees safe by conducting your business with the Town either via the phone or online. 

Water and tax bills can be paid via the drop box near the flag pole in front of Town Hall.

For additional assistance, please call the following departments:
Planning Department – 252-441-7016 / 252-449-2002

Building Permits – 252-449-6048
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.

If you have other questions:
Receptionist – 252-441-5508
Water – 252-449-2004
Taxes – 252-449-2008
Town Manager’s Office – 252-449-2021
Town Clerk’s Office – 252-449-2009
Police Department (Non Emergency)– 252-441-6386 / 252-449-2026 
Fire Department (Non Emergency) – 252-441-5909
Public Works Department - 252-441-1122

A note from Nags Head’s Police Department
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. 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.
• The police department lobby is closed. If you need to speak with someone in the department office, please call 252-441-6383.
• 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.
If you need emergency assistance, we will be there as always. For emergency assistance call 911 or Dare County Communications at 252-473-3444.

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. 

For National Park Service COVID-19 updates, visit www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.