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Dare County reported in its Monday afternoon bulletin that it had received three new positive COVID-19 test results over the weekend. All three of the individuals who tested positive are reported to be Dare County residents and acquired the virus by direct contact. All direct contacts identified with these individuals were notified over the weekend, according to the bulletin.

The number of positive COVID-19 tests in Dare County is 21. Of those 21, 14 have recovered or are asymptomatically cleared, one has died and six are active. Active means an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus and is being monitored daily by the health department. Of the six active cases, one is hospitalized outside the area and the other five are recovering in home isolation.

In North Carolina, there are 15,045 cases of COVID-19 in 99 counties as of Monday, May 11. There have been 550 fatalities in the state associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 464 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

For the most up to date information on COVID-19 cases in Dare County and the state of North Carolina, visit  darenc.com/covid19.

Face Coverings

The state of North Carolina has moved into phase one of the three-phased approach to lift restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. Local regulations are now in accordance with state guidelines, which includes the recommendation to wear face coverings if you will be with other people.

“Some people have asked why the face coverings are no longer required and only strongly recommended. One reason is to maintain consistency so that Dare County’s regulations are in sync with the state and there is less confusion,” stated Dare’s bulletin. “The other reason is that a countywide requirement cannot be uniformly enforced.”

Local businesses have the ability to require face coverings for their personnel and customers and the county states this is strongly encouraged and enables local businesses to enforce the requirement on site. Printable signage regarding face coverings in businesses is available in the resources section at darenc.com/covidbusiness.

“Face coverings are a crucial part of the first line of defense against COVID-19. With visitors returning on Saturday, May 16, it is important for each of us to do our part and practice the Three W’s that are recommended by state and local health officials: Wear a face covering, Wash your hands, and Wait six feet apart,” continued the bulletin. “Take the right measures to protect yourself, your family, coworkers and the community.”

Vacationing

“While the Outer Banks will begin to welcome vacationers on Saturday, May 16, it is important for everyone to understand that vacations and visits to the Outer Banks will look different this year,” stated Dare’s bulletin. “Businesses have restrictions in place which are mandated by state Executive Order 138.”

Restaurants are only permitted to provide take out, drive through or delivery at this time. No seated service, indoors or outdoors, is allowed under Executive Order 138.

Lodging accommodations are implementing different protocols and procedures to help ensure the safety of guests and staff. Dare County encourages visitors to check with their accommodations providers before arrival to understand what may be different this year compared to previous years.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

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