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Greetings from Outer Banks Blue, and from the Outer Banks,
Earlier today we received this announcement from the Emergency Control Group for Dare County:
In response to updated guidelines from the CDC to avoid discretionary travel, 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.
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 apply. We anticipate an influx of users when the system becomes available. To prevent a system overload, if you need an entry permit, please wait and apply closer to the date of your anticipated arrival.
Personnel working at the Emergency Operations Center are available to answer COVID-19 related questions using a dedicated phone line. Please call 252.475.5008. Personnel anticipates a high volume of calls. If you reach a voicemail, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
For regularly updated information on COVID-19 in Dare County and information about how to protect yourself, your family and our community, visit www.darenc.com/covid-19.
What Does this mean for you as an OBX Blue Visitor?
If you are a visitor that was planning to come to the Outer Banks for the near future you will not be able to access your rental property while the authorities have this road block in place.
Outer Banks Blue reservations department staff is working with those guests that are affected regarding refunds on a day by day basis. We will reach out to each affected guest to give you clear information on your specific situation.
We are advised that travel insurance does not cover this situation because local authorities have not called for a mandatory evacuation. Guests who are currently here are able to stay through the end of their tenancy, but if they leave the county, they will not be able to return. This is unprecedented, and in fact the situation may change so we will stick to the facts at this point, and will deal with the situation on a day by day basis.
There has been no timeline given on how long access to the area will be cut off for visitors, but we look forward to welcoming you back to the Outer Banks when this crisis passes.
We have little else to share at this point, but wanted to make you aware of this situation right away. As more information is available to us we will share it here.
Stay safe, and be well.
All the best from the beach!
