The North Carolina Outer Banks vacation destination spot Dare County is closed to visitors because of the Wuhan coronavirus COVID-19. Sheriff’s deputies started manning checkpoints for entry to the county at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The county has no cases of the virus and is trying to lessen its chances for an outbreak or severity when it comes. China established similar roadblocks to stem the original outbreak in Hubei province where Wuhan is located.
Dare County is named for Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World in the Lost Colony of Roanoke. The county is renowned for being the site of the Wright Brother’s first flight at Kitty Hawk and is home to the popular Nag’s Head beach town.
Dare County government image.
Dare County map via Carolina.com
The county posted a notice instructing residents and those who meet exemptions to apply online for entry permits.
Excerpt of the notice banning visitors:
Bulletin #2
March 17, 2020
11:50 a.m.In response to updated guidelines from the CDC to avoid discretionary travel and follow The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, the Dare County Control Group has made the decision to restrict visitor access to Dare County beginning today, Tuesday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m.
While there are currently no individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dare County, officials weighed the potential benefits for community health along with the tremendous impacts these restrictions have on our community. These restrictions may be inconvenient, disappointing and have financial impacts, however, they were made in the interest of public safety to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Beginning at 2:00 p.m., checkpoints will be established at entry points to Dare County and no visitors will be allowed access. Permanent residents, non-resident property owners and non-resident employees of Dare County businesses may review entry guidelines at www.darenc.com/entry. Reentry permits from previous years will not be accepted. Staff is working to activate the online permitting system by 1:00 p.m.
To avoid contact with personnel, please display your permit on your dashboard so it is clearly visible for checkpoint personnel.
Visitors will not be allowed to travel through Dare County to access Currituck County (Corolla), Hyde County (Ocracoke Island), or Tyrrell County. People who reside, own property or work in Corolla or Ocracoke will be allowed entry…
