COVID-19 Bulletin #16 from Dare County Emergency Management

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our country and in the state of North Carolina continues to grow.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services currently is reporting there are 504 cases in 53 counties. North Carolina has announced the first death from COVID-19. The individual had been receiving hospital-based care in Cabarrus County. 

Earlier today, the County’s Division of Public Health announced the first positive test result for COVID-19 in Dare County. The individual has been self-isolating since originally being tested in Dare County and is reported to be doing well. No additional details will be released about the individual to protect patient privacy. Dare County Department of Health & Human Services staff is actively investigating this individual’s activity and anyone who is determined to have been in direct contact with the individual will be notified by public health staff. 

The public will continue to be notified of any additional individuals who test positive for COVID-19 in Dare County as soon as possible.

To protect yourself and your family, remain vigilant and continue to follow recommendations from the CDC and NCDHHS. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Stay home and eliminate nonessential travel. If you must go out, practice social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet away from others. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face. Stay home if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces as much as possible.

Dare County remains under a State of Emergency. Restrictions remain in place prohibiting access to Dare County for visitors and non-resident property owners. The Dare County Control Group continues to meet daily to receive updates and make any decisions necessary to protect the public health and safety of our citizens. 

Dare County
Dare County is regularly updating a webpage with frequently asked questions about COVID-19.  A community resources webpage is also available for those impacted by COVID-19.

The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to help address your questions on testing, travel restrictions, and symptoms, and  can be reached at 252.475.5008.  

Town of Kill Devil Hills
During this social-distancing time, Kill Devil Hills’ Town offices are accessible by appointment only. If you have business with the Town call, email, or visit our website to gain assistance or to schedule an in person appointment. Department’s contact information and updates to their daily operations can be found on our website, www.kdhnc.com.

Town of Southern Shores
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.  

Meetings - The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2020 which may be subject to change. 

Building Inspections - Building inspections are still being conducted, however, meetings in person with the Building Inspector on-site are limited.  Planning & Code Enforcement Department by calling 252-261-2394 ext. 3 or email Dabni Shelton, Permit Officer at dshelton@southernshores-nc.gov.  

Permitting - 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.

Trash and Recycling - Trash and recycling are being collected as scheduled.
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. 

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.  please call 252-261-3331 or email Jennifer Couture at jcouture@southernshores-nc.gov. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.  

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.

Town of Manteo
Town Hall – Please call 473-2133 first to see if your item can be handled over the phone, online, or via other means. Access to Town Hall is limited to urgent matters. You will need to ring the doorbell and use the intercom prior to entry.  

Water and Sewer – Place utility payments in the drop box on the side of Town Hall or mail to P.O. Box 246 in Manteo. You can pay online at HTTPS://WWW.PAYBILL.COM/TownOfManteo or by phone at 866-245-5285. The Town has suspended service disconnections during this emergency. 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 473-2135, e-mailed to mdickerson@manteonc.gov, placed in the drop box on the side of Town Hall, or mailed to P.O. Box 246 in Manteo. Place permit fees in the drop box at Town Hall or mail to the PO box. Inspections are continuing, but only one contractor representative is allowed to attend.

Police Department – If you have an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency issues, please call 473-2069 for assistance. There is a call box located at the police department entrance, so please use this box especially if you are feeling ill.
Marina – Downtown Marina will prohibit visitors (from outside of Dare County) from docking or mooring at Town facilities. 

Parks, Playgrounds, and Public Restrooms – Town parks remain open, and park visitors are expected to avoid crowd-gathering and maintain social distancing. Town playgrounds and public restrooms are closed until further notice.

Board Meetings – The Budget Retreat scheduled for March 27th has been postponed. The Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for April 1st will be held via telephone conference, and information on public access will be published shortly.

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 

• 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. 

• The grounds of Fort Raleigh NHS are open. 
• Fort Raleigh NHS visitor center is closed. 

• 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.