UPDATED, 2:30 p.m.: State health officials have confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in North Carolina from community spread reported in a patient from Wilson County.
Governor Roy Cooper said at news conference earlier in the day that ehe person hadn’t traveled to a hotspot or been in contact with someone who also has the virus.
“This is an expected but unfortunate benchmark,” Cooper said.
Secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen said they have already transitioned from containment to mitigation efforts.
Cohen added that N.C. health officials will expand tracking of the virus to better figure out how to slow and stop its spread.
EARLIER STORY:
The Dare County Control Group received an update regarding COVID-19 from Health and Human Services Director Sheila Davies this morning and Davies reported that the number of confirmed cases in our state continues to increase.
Currently, there are 97 confirmed cases in North Carolina in 22 counties. Twenty-six of these confirmed cases are affiliated with a group of students from Duke University who traveled internationally. No individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County at this time.
The Dare County Control Group will continue to meet daily to receive and evaluate updated information and global research regarding this novel virus to make decisions in the best interest of the health and safety of our community. At this time, there is no way to provide a timeline or expected date for lifting the restriction that is in place for visitors. When conditions warrant, revisions to the restrictions on travel to Dare County will be implemented.
Individuals who are traveling to and from Dare County for medical appointments will be allowed to exit and enter the county. However, it is recommended that you call your healthcare provider in advance to confirm your appointment.
On March 18, Governor Cooper announced an executive order closing restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allowing takeout and delivery orders to continue. The community is encouraged to continue to support local restaurants and businesses. Order takeout and delivery from your favorite restaurants.
Local stores that sell groceries and other necessary supplies are receiving inventory, however, some items continue to sell out. Please think of your neighbors and shop responsibly by only purchasing what your household needs.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to North Carolina small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions and explain the application process at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services
North Carolinians can text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19. Sign up now to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
Offices at the Town Hall are currently open; however, access is restricted to the public. Access into the Town Hall will be granted by an appointment only. If you have business with the Town call, email, or visit our website to schedule an appointment or to gain additional assistance.
While access to our offices may remain restricted, our commitment to providing the highest level of customer service remains immeasurable.
Please refer to our website www.kdhnc.com for Department’s contact information and updates to their daily operations.
Everyone can take steps to protect themselves and others from the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
We are all facing this pandemic together as a community. Practice patience, provide support to your neighbor, and choose to keep smiling. We will persevere with the resiliency that Outer Bankers are known for.
Town of Southern Shores
Planning and Code Enforcement Department:
Town offices are closed to the public until further notice. We are conducting business by phone, email, fax, online permit submittals and drop box which is located at our Town Hall front entrance (nearest the flagpole). You can receive all updates and online permit submittal information by visiting the Town website at https://www.southernshores-nc.gov/online-permit-submittals/
When submitting permit applications by email, fax, or drop box, your application will be processed in a timely manner and emailed/faxed to you for your signature/date. Signed permits can be returned via email or fax. Payments for permits in the form of check/cash can be left in our drop box. Once we receive the signed permit AND payment; your permit will then be considered issued.
Town of Nags Head
To ensure the safety of the public, as well as our employees, the Town of Nags Head continues to discourage the public from entering town hall. This includes touring Nags Head’s art collection.
There are many ways to conduct business with the Town. Please visit our web site at nagsheadnc.gov for more information on conducting business with us either online or through the phone.
Trash and recycling collection services in Nags Head remain on their normal schedules.
The April 1, 2020 Board of Commissioners meeting has been moved to Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 9 am. We are working on giving the public the ability to virtually attend the meeting and will communicate additional information about this in the near future.
Thank you for your patience.