COVID-19 Bulletin #23 from Dare County Emergency Management

In North Carolina, there are currently 1,498 cases of COVID-19 in 77 counties.There have been eight fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 157 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

The second positive test result in Dare County was announced earlier today. The individual has been self-isolating since being tested last week and continues to be monitored. It is believed the individual acquired the virus through direct contact when out of the area. This is not a case of community spread. The individual’s spouse has also been tested but results have not yet been received. Dare County Department of Health & Human Services staff is conducting an active investigation into this individual’s activity. Anyone who is determined to have had direct contact will be notified by public health staff. Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will continue to report on any positive case as soon as possible. 

Do not let your guard down. We are not immune from this virus. All of us MUST do our part to adhere to the stay at home order and other recommendations from health professionals to limit the spread of COVID-19 to keep existing health care systems from becoming overburdened and unable to meet the needs of the public. Stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people and stay at least six feet apart from others.

The Governor's Stay at Home Order - Executive Order No. 121 - issued on March 27 is now in effect for the entire state for the next 30 days. Dare County has amended the State of Emergency Declaration and all current restrictions and orders remain in effect until April 30 unless modified, extended or rescinded to meet changing conditions.

As part of Dare County’s State of Emergency Declaration, restrictions on entry for visitors and non-resident property owners remain in place and may be extended if necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public. Law enforcement continues to work diligently to enforce entry restrictions and to take appropriate action for those violating the emergency declaration.  

Dare County
The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday 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. 

Dare County Social Services has announced that individuals who are receiving food and nutrition benefits will possibly receive additional funds. NC DHHS received approval to issue Food and Nutrition supplements up to the maximum of the household's monthly benefit. NC DHHS will begin automatically issuing March 2020 supplements on April 1, 2020 and for April 2020 supplements on April 22, 2020. More information can be found at darenc.com/covidresources.

Town of Kill Devil Hills
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. 

In accordance with the Governor’s Stay at Home Order (Executive Order No. 121), the Town of Kill Devil Hills has temporarily closed the following facilities: the restrooms and playground at Aviation Park, the playground at Copley Park, the playground at Hayman Park, and the restrooms at the Ocean Bay Boulevard beach access. These facilities will remain closed to the public until further notice.  

We understand the desire to be outside is more powerful than ever. However, we also know, with closing the above facilities, we have a better chance of slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. When engaging in outdoor activity, remember to practice social distancing.

In addition, the Town’s Dry Trash Drop Off and Recycle Center is closed and it will remain closed until further notice.

We need all of our citizens to take the Stay at Home Order seriously. This is an unprecedented time. Individually, we must each take action to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Together we will make a difference, and together we will get through these trying times. We are looking forward to the bright days ahead.

Town of Duck
The April 1 Town Council meeting will be live streamed. Public comment may be submitted prior to the meeting by emailing councilmeeting@townofduck.com. Instructions for viewing and commenting during the meeting will be provided at www.townofduck.com/town-council prior to the meeting.

The April 8 Planning Board meeting has been canceled.

Town of Southern Shores
In order to maintain the safety of Town residents, staff, and the Town Council, the Town Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2020 will now be conducted electronically using Zoom software. Only a quorum of the Town Council will be present at the meeting. The remaining Council Members will all participate remotely.

The Town Council meeting time has been rescheduled to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 to accommodate the carryover of agenda items from the canceled March 24, 2020 Budget Work Session.

What does this mean for those looking to participate in the meeting?
There are three ways the public can participate in the meeting:
1.     Join the meeting through Zoom on your computer or cellphone.
Simply click on the following link or type it into your internet browser:  https://zoom.us/j/612186193
Meeting ID: 612 186 193
If you have not used Zoom before, you are encouraged to download the application from their website at Zoom.us and try it out prior to the meeting. There is no cost associated with the software or attending the meeting.

2.     Join the meeting through audio only via telephone.
Simply call: +1 253 215 8782 US or +1 301 715 8592 US   When prompted, enter meeting ID: 612 186 193 followed by the Pound sign (#). Depending on your carrier, long distances charges may apply.

3.     Submit your public comments to the Town Clerk prior to the meeting
Email: skane@southernshores-nc.gov
The comments will be read into the record during the public comment portion. Please include your name and address in your comment. Comments should be limited to 3 minutes when read aloud.
Public Comment can be submitted via chat during the live public comment period. Please include your name and address in your comment. Comments should be limited to 3 minutes when read aloud.

The Town is making every effort to ensure that the public is able to not only listen to the meeting, but also to participate in the public comment portion of the Council meeting while still maintaining all of the Town’s statutory requirements and keeping the public safe. This will be a first for all of us and we thank you for both your interest in the Town’s affairs and your patience and understanding while we navigate these uncharted waters together.

In an effort to comply with social distancing guidelines for mitigating the potential spread of COVID-19, citizens who attend the April 7, 2020 Town Council meeting should keep a minimum distance of six (6) feet from others prior to, during, and following the meeting.  Seating in the Pitts Center has been arranged in a manner that complies with this guideline (maximum occupancy of 10). The meeting recording will be posted on the Town website as soon as possible following the meeting. 

Town of Kitty Hawk
Town offices are open normal business hours 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. 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. For Department Contact information please see below.

• The Town Council Meeting scheduled for April 6, 2020 at 6:00 pm will be held as planned.

• The Town’s Recycle Center will be closed 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.

Department Contact Information: 
Town Hall and Planning
www.kittyhawknc.gov
(252) 261-3552

Kitty Hawk Police Department
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

Town of Nags Head
A reminder – while Town offices remain open (police and fire department administrative offices are closed to the public), please contact Town of Nags Head employees via the phone at 252-441-5508 or by email. Visit nagsheadnc.gov/coronavirus for a list of emails and direct phone numbers.

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, visit  www.nagsheadnc.gov/planningboardagenda for the link and the call-in numbers, which can be used if your computer does not have speakers. In addition, a link to a guide to using Zoom is also available on the agenda page. Those without computer or internet access can participate by calling 301-715-8592 and entering the webinar ID, which is 701872187.

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. Bulky item pick-ups are limited to Monday and Thursday.

Public Facilities – Town parks remain open, and park visitors must avoid crowd-gathering and use social distancing. Playgrounds and public restrooms are closed. The Pea Island Cookhouse Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the interior of the Lighthouse remain 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
All indoor areas at Cape Hatteras National 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 North Carolina's Executive Order 121 and Dare County's “Stay Home - Stay Healthy” declaration. Visit http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess for the current status of Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches. Off-road vehicle permits can be purchased at www.recreation.gov. 

As services are limited, the National Park Service urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.