Visitors allowed on Outer Banks next week — but there are restrictions, NC officials say
Visitors will be allowed back on North Carolina’s Outer Banks next weekend, but things won’t be like normal.
Dare, Hyde and Currituck Counties will lift their visitor restrictions in place amid the coronavirus pandemic on May 16 at 12:01 a.m., Dare County said in a release Wednesday. Tourists were previously banned from the barrier islands in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The change includes the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo, along with Hatteras, Roanoke and Ocracoke Islands and the Currituck County portion of the Outer Banks.
Previously, some travelers were allowed to start coming back to parts of the Outer Banks, McClatchy News reported last month.
Currituck County started allowing non-resident property owners back to the Corolla area in mid-April, and Dare County started allowing visitors back gradually starting May 4.
But even now that all visitors are welcome again, there are still restrictions in place.
“As visitors prepare for vacation, it is important to remember that the coronavirus is not over,” the Dare County release said. “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.”
Gatherings will still be limited to 10 people, and social distancing guidelines are still in place.
Additionally, restaurants are still open for take-out and delivery services only and businesses still have limits on how many people are allowed in at once.
Non-retail and dining businesses, such as salons and entertainment establishments, are still closed, the release says.
Visitors, like everyone, are asked to wear face masks or coverings when out in public, it says. It’s also recommended they bring their own essentials as they may not be available in stores.
“Before traveling to the Outer Banks, visitors are encouraged to contact their accommodations provider to confirm their reservation and arrival plans” the release says.
The lift in restrictions comes after Gov. Roy Cooper announced Tuesday that North Carolina will enter Phase One of reopening on Friday.
His executive order will allow more leniency in reasons for leaving home and in the operations of some businesses, but the stay-at-home order will still be in place and social distancing will still need to be observed.
“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,” the release says.
This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 3:41 PM.
