Bulletin #19
March 28, 2020 @ 12:30 p.m.
In North Carolina, there are currently 934 cases of COVID-19 in 63 counties. There have been four fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19 and there is evidence of community wide spread in 31 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. In the other 32 counties with positive cases, the cases are linked to travel or direct contact. Currently, the state is reporting 87 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.
Dare County has had one positive COVID-19 test result, which was reported on Wednesday, March 25. The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will continue to report any positive cases as soon as possible. Be sure to access official sources for this information – the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services or the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
Restrictions on entry for visitors and non-resident property owners remain in place. For updated information, visit www.darenc.com/entry.
On Friday, the Dare County Control Group implemented a “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” declaration to become effective today, Saturday, March 28 at 5:00 p.m. Following that announcement, Governor Cooper announced Executive Order 121, a similar directive with strategic directions for the entire state in response to increasing COVID-19 cases.
In order to provide consistency and eliminate confusion, Dare County has updated the Stay Home – Stay Healthy declaration to align with the Governor’s order and the guidelines that are being put in place statewide. While the statewide order goes into effect Monday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m., the Dare County “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” order – which now aligns with the state’s order – will become effective today, Saturday, March 28 at 5:00 p.m., as previously announced.
To view the frequently asked questions regarding North Carolina’s Stay at Home Order, click here. To reach the State’s COVID-19 information line, call 888-892-1162 or receive updates by texting COVIDNC to 898211.
Essential businesses as defined in the State Order may remain open. Other non-essential businesses must remain closed unless permitted by the Secretary of Revenue. Establishments required to close under previous executive orders must remain closed.
If your business is not included in the state’s list of Essential Businesses and Operations and you believe it is essential, you can submit an application to the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR). NCDOR will review applications to determine whether the business is necessary to properly respond to this COVID-19 pandemic. NCDOR will post on its website a point of contact and procedures for businesses seeking an essential designation.
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. Staff members are available to help address your questions.
For updated information regarding Dare County services and department operations, visit www.darenc.com/covidservices. A list of community resources is available for those impacted by COVID-19 at darenc.com/covidresources.
Town of Duck
The April 1 Town Council meeting will be live streamed. Instructions for public comment and viewing will be provided at www.townofduck.com/town-council prior to the meeting.
The April 8 Planning Board meeting has been canceled.
The Town of Duck Police Department continues to monitor unoccupied properties throughout town. Should signs of unauthorized entry or other issues be observed, the homeowner or property management company will be contacted.
For more information, click here.
Town of Southern Shores
Town Facilities-Town facilities remain closed to the public and all Town Hall business is being conducted via phone, email, fax, or other virtual means. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
Meetings-The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2020 which may be subject to change. We are currently evaluating services that would allow electronic viewing and participation.
Building Inspections-Building inspections are still being conducted, however, meetings in person with the Building Inspector on-site are limited. Inspection requests should be called in to the Planning & Code Enforcement Department by calling 252-261-2394 ext. 3 or email Dabni Shelton, Permit Officer at dshelton@southernshores-nc.gov. Permit applications can be submitted online by utilizing the link to Citizenserve on the Town website: https://www.southernshores-nc.gov/online-permit-submittals/. Feel free to call the Planning & Code Enforcement Department at 252-261-2394 ext. 3 should you have any questions.
Bulk Waste Collection-Originally scheduled for the Town of Southern Shores on Friday, April 3rd has been postponed. A new bulk collection schedule will be announced at a later date.
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 Town’s Website https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/coronavirus-disease/ or call 252-261-3552 to discuss the best way to conduct business.
- On Saturday, March 28 at noon the Town’s Recycle Center will close until further notice.
- The playgrounds at Paul Pruitt Park and Sandy Run Park are closed. The parks will remain open for passive recreational activities. When visiting any of the Town’s parks please practice social distancing.
- The Spring Chipping Service will not be held in April and has been postponed until the Fall.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills’ Town offices are accessible by appointment only. Our regular business hours are M-F, 8-5 p.m. For updates and additional information, please visit our website www.kdhnc.com and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/townofkdh.
Town of Nags Head
As an essential service, the Town of Nags Head will continue to serve its residents and businesses as best as it can during this unprecedented crisis. At this time, we will remain open, but we continue to ask that you conduct your business with the Town either online or via the phone. Visit nagsheadnc.gov/coronavirus for more information on doing business with the Town at this time. If you do not have computer access, please call 252-441-5508 from 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
We are making every accommodation possible to ensure that your Town of Nags Head services are uninterrupted. We understand that, unlike others, our services must continue through this crisis.
- Planning and Development
Trade permits can now be applied for and issued online. Additionally, for other types of permits, in many cases we are able to make arrangements over the phone or through email to coordinate the submittal of applications and materials, issue permits, and take payments.
While other contractors can’t yet apply for building permits on-line (we are working on this!), you can check the status and even pay for permits online by going to: https://selfservice.nagsheadnc.gov/MSS/citizens/Default.aspx
To help our community get through these tough times, the Town is waiving online payment service fees temporarily.
If you need assistance or would like to discuss how we may be able to meet your needs remotely, please call us at 252-441-7016 or email us at: planning@nagsheadnc.gov.
- Police Department
The purpose of stay at home proclamations during an emergency, or in this case a pandemic, is to preserve public health and safety. It is essential that the public voluntarily comply with the proclamations for them to be effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Self-regulation and encouraging others, including friends, family and neighbors, is the most effective way to implement the proclamations.
What is the role of your police department? We are committed to providing a safe environment for all and will continue to provide law enforcement services to our community.
Can I receive a citation or be arrested for violating the proclamations? The short answer is yes. However, our role is to educate our citizens on the need to comply with the proclamations and the positive effect that staying at home during this period can have on you and your families. We ask that individuals venture out only for necessary trips and that those working under exemptions do not take advantage of their status.
Please do not call 911 if you see someone you perceive to be non-compliant with the proclamations. This is not an emergency. Concentrate on what you can do for your family and yourself to remain healthy and safe.
If, however, you need assistance of an emergent nature call 911. We will be there as always to help you through whatever circumstance prompted your call for help.
Town of Manteo
Board of Commissioners – The 04/01 Board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. via telephone. The public may access the meeting by calling 301-715-8592, 669-900-6833, 346-248-7799, or 929-436-2866 and then entering the Meeting ID of 296-841-306. Public comment will be available.
Town Operations – Sanitation, Water & Sewer, Permits & Inspections, and Law Enforcement continue service delivery. Access to Town Hall is limited. Call 473-2133 first to see if your item can be handled over the phone, online, or via other means. You will need to ring the doorbell and use the intercom prior to entry. Utility service disconnections are suspended during this emergency. Please note that utility fees will still be charged.
Public Facilities – Town parks remain open, and park visitors must avoid crowd-gathering and use social distancing. Playgrounds and public restrooms are closed. The Maritime Museum is closed. Downtown Marina is closed to visitors.
Special Events – The 05/02 Litter Pick-Up is postponed to 11/14. The Downtown Market is postponed until further notice.
National Park Service
To minimize potential spread of COVID-19, consistent with federal, state, and local advisories, visitor centers at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore), Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial are temporarily closed.
Park lands continue to be open for the purposes of activities described under Dare County’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” declaration. Visit http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess for the current status of Seashore beaches. Off-road vehicle permits can be purchased at www.recreation.gov. Seashore campgrounds are closed.
