COVID-19 Bulletin #17 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 636 cases in 57 counties, with one fatality. Yesterday, Dare County announced the first positive test result in Dare County. Public Health staff has worked with the individual to identify and notify any close contacts. All identified close contacts have been notified. 

The Dare County Control Group continues to meet daily to receive updated information, discuss and closely monitor the spread of the disease. This includes discussion and planning for coordinated efforts with state and federal partners, including NC Emergency Management, NC DHHS and the Governor’s Office, to ensure Dare County is as prepared as possible to protect the safety, welfare and health of our community. 

With each new day it becomes clear that this is a long term response to a worldwide public health emergency. The continued guidance of staying at home as much as possible, limiting direct contact, other than to family members, and maintaining social distancing are the most effective measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. 
These unprecedented times create stress, anxiety, fear, frustration, and financial hardship for many. A list of community resources is available for those impacted by COVID-19 at darenc.com/covidresources. The list includes information on assistance programs from utility providers, small business loans, food resources and hotlines for seniors feeling isolated and lonely. Frequently asked questions are being updated regularly at darenc.com/covidfaq

Dare County
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. 

For updated information regarding Dare County services and department operations, visit www.darenc.com/covidservices.

The Outer Banks Hospital
It is important that we re-emphasize the importance of following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for COVID-19 testing. Per this guidance, testing is only done if you have fever or lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the past 14 days; OR have fever and lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and a negative rapid flu test. Testing is not recommended for those at home with mild cold-like symptoms.  Practicing social distancing and staying home when you are sick will help us slow the spread of the virus.

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 Duck
The April 1 Town Council meeting will be live streamed. Instructions for submitting public comment and viewing the live stream will be included in the agenda release on Friday, March 27.

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for April 8 has been canceled.

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. 

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.

Town of Nags Head
A Note from Nags Head’s Police Department - On your next trip to the grocery store, try to relax and be patient. The delivery drivers are logging long hours to deliver goods and the grocers are stocking the shelves as fast as possible. The Town of Nags Head, including its Police and Fire Departments, is working hard to keep everyone safe. We understand the financial impact the virus has placed on many in our community and the stress that many under. But, please, be considerate and help one another. Please do not take your own personal frustrations out on those trying to help you.

Nags Head’s Planning Board will hold a virtual, remote meeting on April 1, 2020 at 9:15 am. The focus and only non-procedural agenda item for action will be consideration of a recommendation on draft amendments to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and related sections of the Unified Development Ordinance to allow for the adoption of the updated Flood Maps due to imposed deadlines for adoption. The public will be able to attend the meeting using the Zoom app or by calling in to the meeting. For those interested in participating in the meeting, monitor this link for the link and call-in number:  nagsheadnc.gov/planningboardagenda.

Town of Manteo
Board of Commissioners – The 03/27 Budget Retreat is postponed. The 04/01 Board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. via telephone, and a public access call-in number will be published soon.

Special Events – The 05/02 Litter Pick-Up is postponed to 11/14. The Downtown Market is postponed until further notice.

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 all 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 until further notice. Downtown Marina is closed to visitors.