​Dare County, in coordination with Hyde and Currituck Counties, will lift restrictions on entry for visitors beginning Saturday, May 16 at 12:01 a.m. This decision follows the announcement by Governor Roy Cooper yesterday (May 5) to issue Executive Order 138 which will modify North Carolina’s Stay at Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions. 
View the video message announcing entry for visitors from Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard at https://youtu.be/trOYyOYwUjo. 
Entry for visitors on Saturday, May 16 at 12:01 a.m. includes the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo; Hatteras Island; Roanoke Island; the Dare mainland; the Currituck County Outer Banks; and Ocracoke Island. 
Allowing visitors on May 16 will allow seven days for local businesses, attractions, and accommodations providers to prepare for the arrival of visitors following the new business operating requirements put in place by the Governor’s Executive Order 138. 
Before traveling to the Outer Banks, visitors are encouraged to contact their accommodations provider to confirm their reservation and arrival plans. 
As visitors prepare for vacation, it is important to remember that the coronavirus is not over. There are still State restrictions in effect to protect everyone’s safety that may impact the way you have vacationed on the Outer Banks in the past, including: 

• Social distancing guidelines are still in place.
  
• Gatherings are limited to 10 people or less.
  
• Getting food from restaurants continues to be on a take-out or delivery basis.
  
• Businesses, including grocery stores, have limits on the number of people allowed in the store at any given time based on square footage.
  
• Personal care and grooming businesses and entertainment businesses without retail or dining are not open yet based on state regulations which are not determined or controlled by our local government. 
  

Also, remember that the CDC recommends not to travel if you are sick or were recently exposed (within 14 days) to COVID-19. 
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to wear a mask or cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Like many places in the United States, all shoppers should expect to see changes in product availability at grocery and retail outlets as supply chain demand fluctuates across the nation. If possible, visitors should bring essentials with them, including paper and sanitizing products and non-perishable groceries. 
Updated information about entry to Dare County, including frequently asked questions, is available on the Dare County website at www.darenc.com/entry. Comprehensive information and resources related to the coronavirus can be found at www.darenc.com/covid19.
For information regarding entry to Ocracoke Island, visit http://hydecountync.gov/ocracoke-covid/index.php and for Hyde County information and resources related to the coronavirus visit http://hydehealth.com/public-health/  
For updated information regarding the Currituck Outer Banks, visit   https://co.currituck.nc.us/
For FAQ’s regarding the Governor’s Executive Order No. 138 that moves North Carolina into “Phase 1” of easing certain COVID-19 restrictions to help revive the economy while protecting public health, visit  https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/FAQs-for-Phase-1-EO-FINAL.pdf

 A new survey found the best parts about working from home during the crisis are no commute ,no dress code.
The top challenges are being distracted.....

Here are the five hardest parts about working from home :


1.  Family members or roommates won't stop distracting you.


2.  Keeping in touch with coworkers.


3.  Setting up a decent workspace.


4.  Balancing your work life and your home life, but keeping them separate.


5.  It's harder to focus in general.



Now here are the top five benefits of working from home:

1.  No commute.


2.  You can wear whatever you want.


3.  You're automatically social distancing.


4.  You can take care of minor household tasks during work.


5.  Your hours are more flexible, because no one's keeping tabs. 


** BONUS. You can listen to Radio Free Outer Banks

Nags Head curbside bulk items pickup extended until May 24
Town of Nags Head, NCWe collect bulk items/brush from rights of way in front of homes 10/1-3/31 each year. Due to the pandemic, curbside bulk items/brush collection has been extended until 5/24/2020 to ensure that all of our property owners can take advantage of this service.

COVID-19 Bulletin #53The CDC has expanded the list of symptoms that may be associated with COVID-19. In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, other symptoms may include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
Post Date: 04/29/2020 2:35 PM 
Bulletin #53
April 29, 2020
2:30 p.m.
State Cases of COVID-19
In North Carolina, there are currently 9,948 cases of COVID-19 in 98 counties. There have been 354 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 551 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness. 
County’s Positive Test Results Remains at 15 
The number of positive tests results in Dare County has remained at 15 for the past 18 days. The Dare County COVID-19 webpage has a section for quick reference which provides the most up to date information on COVID-19 cases in Dare County and also the State of North Carolina. You can find this information at darenc.com/covid19.
Local Testing and Trends 
Last week, Secretary of NC Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen shared specific information regarding key metrics for the state with regards to COVID-19. In today’s video message, Dare County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Sheila Davies provides testing information and data trends specific to Dare County. This information will be updated weekly and shared in the video message each Tuesday. 
According to Dr. Davies, “Trend data is useful because it provides information on the intensity and spread of COVID-19 in our community. The collection, analysis, and interpretation of this data helps guide public health recommendations. Because data has limitations, no one metric should be viewed in isolation.” 
Symptoms 
The CDC has expanded the list of symptoms that may be associated with COVID-19. In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, other symptoms may include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. 
For people with mild symptoms who don’t need medical care, getting a test will not change what you or your doctor do. Testing is most important for people who are seriously ill, in the hospital, people in high-risk settings like nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers and other first responders who are caring for those with COVID-19.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical advice. If possible, call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility.
Make Your Overall Wellness a Priority
The stress brought on from this pandemic is leading to increased anxiety and depression for many in our community. It is important to make your overall wellness a priority. Resources and information on staying physically and mentally healthy can be found on the Managing Your Overall Health page on the NCDHHS COVID-19 website. Included are phone numbers for helplines available to assist with coping, resilience, anxiety and stress. 
Dare County
Dare County continues to provide services for residents, property owners and businesses. Be sure to call the department or office before you visit to reduce the need for in-person interactions. For a listing of departments and their altered or online services, visitdarenc.com/covidservices.
For a list of national, state, and local resources to help individuals, families and businesses during this difficult time, visit darenc.com/covidresources. 
The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 252-475-5008 to answer your COVID-19-related questions.
Town of Duck
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. Staff are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. The public safety building remains closed to non-emergency visitors.
The Town Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, will be broadcast via Zoom. Information for viewing the meeting and participating will be provided on our website on Friday, May 1.
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-Notice is hereby given that the Southern Shores Planning Board will hold a Special Meeting on May 4, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pitts Center located at 5377 N. Virginia Dare Trl.  The purpose of the meeting is for the Board to consider the new flood maps and update to Southern Shores Town Code Chapter 16, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.  The Draft Ordinance, preliminary flood maps, and additional flood information can be found on the Town website at https://www.southernshores-nc.gov/httpsouthernshores-nc-govsfloodprotection/.  For additional information or questions, please contact Town Hall at (252) 261-2394 or email whaskett@southernshores-nc.gov.
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.
Police Department-The Southern Shores Police Department would like you to be aware of possible scams/fraud attempts in the coming weeks, as it relates to COVID19 Economic Impact Payments from the Federal Gov’t. Please read the attached press release from the US Secret Service Charlotte Office.https://www.southernshores-nc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Press-release-CHAFO-040320.pdf
Town of Kitty Hawk
Town offices are open normal business hours.  8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  Face-to-face contact is being limited.  Before visiting any Kitty Hawk office, please check the appropriate website or call to discuss the best way to conduct business. For contact information, please visit https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/coronavirus-disease/.   
The Town's Spring Large Item Pick Up will take place on Monday, May 4, 2020.Click Here for More Details
Town Council to Livestream their Monday, May 4, 2020 Meeting There will be several ways to watch, listen and or participate.  Click here for more information.  
Town of Kill Devil Hills
The Town’s Dry Trash Drop Off and Recycle Center will reopen on Monday, May 4, 2020. 
Please note the temporary change in hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday and 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The Center is closing earlier than usual each day to allow Staff time for additional sanitizing efforts. 
When visiting the Center, the following actions shall be practiced: 
• Dry Trash Drop Off
The Dry Trash Drop Off is limiting vehicle numbers. There shall be no more than one vehicle at the limb area. Combined, there shall be no more than one vehicle at the C&D, metal and mattress containers, to maintain the social distancing requirements. Customers shall wait in their vehicles (windows up) to allow the previous customer to finish unloading and then follow the directions of the attendant.  
• Recycle Center (self-serve)
Customers under the shelter are required to wear a cloth face covering. This is in accordance with Dare County’s Order: “individuals are now required to wear a mask or cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.”   
• Mulch Pile
The open-air mulch area provides social distancing separation from the recycle center and is limited to one customer at a time (cloth face covering not mandatory). Please be patient and wait until no customers are in this area before leaving your vehicle. 
We appreciate your added patience and assistance in following these guidelines to allow the center to reopen safely.
Town of Nags Head
We continue to encourage everyone to conduct their business with the Town either online or via the phone. However, if you must visit a Town office, please comply with the Town’s State of Emergency Order, as well as the County’s, by wearing a mask or cloth face covering in a setting where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. If you have to come into Town Hall, please note that to conduct business with us, you must proceed to the 2nd floor by using either an elevator or a stairwell, both of which are small and will require you to wear a mask.
The Nags Head Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 will be conducted electronically and can be accessed by the public via the Zoom platform. The agenda, as well as directions for public comment and listening/viewing to the meeting will be available on the Town’s website atwww.nagsheadnc.gov/bocagenda.
We are excited to welcome our non-resident property owners back the first week of May. If you have not been in the area recently, the Town is installing 2.5 miles of path along the southbound lane of South Croatan Highway from the West Soundside Road area (4000 block of South Croatan Highway near Mile Post 12.75) south to the Outlets Nags Head (7100 block of South Croatan Highway near Mile Post 16). Be prepared for closures of the right lane of the highway in this area. For more information, visithttps://www.nagsheadnc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=259. This work will continue into the summer. We're sorry for the inconvenience, but we're installing nearly 2.5 miles of path this year!
Town of Manteo
Town Operations – Access to Town Hall is limited. Call 473-2133 first to handle issues over the phone or online. Ring doorbell and use intercom prior to entry. Utility service disconnections, late fees, and penalties are suspended. Water charges will still be billed. Payment plans are available. Sanitation is on the regular schedule. Bulky item pick-ups are only Monday and Thursday.
Police Department – Access to Police Department is limited. If emergency, dial 911. Call 473-2069 for non-emergency weekday service or 473-3444 after hours. Ring doorbell and use the intercom prior to entry during weekdays. There is a call box for after-hours use at the MPD entrance.
Public Facilities – Town parks are open. Practice social distancing. Playgrounds and restrooms are closed. Pea Island Cookhouse Museum, Maritime Museum, and Lighthouse are closed. Downtown Marina is closed to visitors.
Special Events – Dare Day 2020 cancelled but planned to return in 2021. 05/02 Litter Pick-Up postponed to 11/14. Downtown Market postponed until further notice.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2020.

​COVID-19 Bulletin #52Post Date:04/27/2020 12:43 PM 
Bulletin #52
April 27, 2020
12:45 p.m.
State Cases of COVID-19
In North Carolina, there are currently 9,142 cases of COVID-19 in 95 counties. There have been 306 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 473 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness. 
County’s Positive Test Results Remains at 15 
The number of positive tests results in Dare County has remained at 15 for the past 16 days. The Dare County COVID-19 webpage has a section for quick reference which provides the most up to date information on COVID-19 cases in Dare County and also the State of North Carolina. You can find this information at darenc.com/covid19.
Face Coverings
Dare County’s Stay Home - Stay Healthy order requires individuals to wear a mask or cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. A web page has been created to provide additional information on face coverings. The page provides resources and tutorials on making your own face coverings, how to wear a face covering, and even provides resources for businesses trying to educate and/or enforce this new requirement. Please visit darenc.com/FaceCoverings for more information.
Social Distancing
The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services recognizes that community members may be growing tired of practicing social distancing. However, it is working to slow the spread of COVID-19. All in Dare County are encouraged to continue to follow the guidelines issued by NCDHHS. Practice social distancing by staying a minimum of six feet away from others, other than immediate family members. Gatherings of 10 or more individuals are prohibited. 
Dare County
Dare County continues to provide services for residents, property owners and businesses. Be sure to call the department or office before you visit to reduce the need for in-person interactions. For a full listing of departments and online services, visit darenc.com/covidservices.
A list of community programs and government services for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at darenc.com/covidresources. 
North Carolina has been approved to activate a Pandemic Electronic Benefits program (P-EBT) program for families to use during school closures. The P-EBT program provides a monetary benefit to North Carolina families whose children normally have access to free and reduced lunch at school. To learn more, please visit the P-EBT program website.
Town of Duck
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. Staff are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. The public safety building remains closed to non-emergency visitors.
The Town Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, will be broadcast via Zoom. Information for viewing the meeting and participating will be provided on our website on Friday, May 1.
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-Notice is hereby given that the Southern Shores Planning Board will hold a Special Meeting on May 4, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pitts Center located at 5377 N. Virginia Dare Trl.  The purpose of the meeting is for the Board to consider the new flood maps and update to Southern Shores Town Code Chapter 16, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.  The Draft Ordinance, preliminary flood maps, and additional flood information can be found on the Town website at https://www.southernshores-nc.gov/httpsouthernshores-nc-govsfloodprotection/.  For additional information or questions, please contact Town Hall at (252) 261-2394 or email whaskett@southernshores-nc.gov.
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.
Police Department-The Southern Shores Police Department would like you to be aware of possible scams/fraud attempts in the coming weeks, as it relates to COVID19 Economic Impact Payments from the Federal Gov’t. Please read the attached press release from the US Secret Service Charlotte Office. https://www.southernshores-nc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Press-release-CHAFO-040320.pdf
Town of Kitty Hawk
Town offices are open normal business hours.  8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  Face-to-face contact is being limited.  Before visiting any Kitty Hawk office, please check the appropriate website or call to discuss the best way to conduct business. For contact information, please visit  https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/coronavirus-disease/.   
The Kitty Hawk Recycle Center Is Open with Regular Hours
The Town's Spring Large Item Pick Up will take place on Monday, May 4, 2020.Click Here for More Details
Town of Kill Devil Hills
While access to our offices remain restricted, Town Departments have made adjustments to continue serving you in a safe, yet, proficient manner. Many services can be conducted by phone, email, fax, or by using our website. Please visit our website, www.kdhnc.com for each Department’s contact information and updates to their daily operations.
In order to maintain the safety of Town residents, Staff, and Board members, the Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners will conduct electronic public hearings, during its electronic meeting, on Monday, May 11, 2020, at 6:00 p.m., using Zoom software. The public hearings, instructions on submitting public comment, and how to participate can be found here: https://www.kdhnc.com/DocumentCenter/View/12301 
Thank you to everyone making sacrifices and staying at home. We know it’s not easy, but you are making a difference. Like you, we’re all anxious to get back to normal. However, we’re not there yet. It’s critically important that we stay the course. We must continue to stay home, practice physical distancing, wash our hands frequently, and wear a cloth face covering when out for essential trips. Please keep doing your part and together we will beat this virus.
Town of Nags Head
The Town’s curbside bulk item/brush collection service, which normally ends March 31 each year, has been extended again until Sunday, May 24, 2020. We are asking residents who are currently in Nags Head to have their bulk items or brush collected well before May 24 so that we can focus on properties owned by those who aren’t able to get into Nags Head until the first week of May.   
The Nags Head Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 will be conducted electronically and can be accessed by the public via the Zoom platform. The agenda, as well as directions for public comment and listening/viewing to the meeting will be available on the Town’s website at www.nagsheadnc.gov/bocagenda.
Town of Manteo
Town Operations – Access to Town Hall is limited. Call 473-2133 first to handle issues over the phone or online. Ring doorbell and use intercom prior to entry. Utility service disconnections, late fees, and penalties are suspended. Water charges will still be billed. Payment plans are available. Sanitation is on the regular schedule. Bulky item pick-ups are only Monday and Thursday.
Police Department – Access to the Police Department is limited. If there is an emergency, dial 911. Call 473-2069 for non-emergency weekday service or 473-3444 after hours. Ring doorbell and use the intercom prior to entry during weekdays. There is a call box for after-hours use at the MPD entrance.
Public Facilities – Town parks are open. Practice social distancing. Playgrounds and restrooms are closed. Pea Island Cookhouse Museum, Maritime Museum, and Lighthouse are closed. Downtown Marina is closed to visitors.
Special Events – Dare Day 2020 cancelled but planned to return in 2021. 05/02 Litter Pick-Up postponed to 11/14. Downtown Market postponed until further notice.
The next bulletin will be issued no later than Wednesday, April 29 at 1:00 p.m.