Rachel Noble, a professor of marine and environmental microbiology at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City, says this week in a letter distributed to media outlets in Carteret County that coastal residents can take basic steps to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
News Briefs
Poll Shows Strong Interest In Climate Action
A poll by the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters finds broad support in the state for stepped-up efforts to combat climate change and increase the use of renewable energy to prevent the worst public health and economic effects of climate change.
Cooper Says Actions ‘Necessary to Save Lives’
North Carolina schools will be closed until May 15 and gatherings are now limited to 50 people to limit the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Monday during a press conference.
New Oyster Rules Aim to Reduce Vibrio Cases
The state Division of Marine Fisheries announced Monday new harvest regulations to help reduce the chance of illness after eating oysters will go into effect this spring in state waters.
North Topsail Mayor Drops Appeal, Resigns
Four-term North Topsail Beach mayor Dan Tuman has dismissed his appeal against the N.C. State Board of Elections and resigned as mayor, as Joann McDermon is set to be named winner of the November race.
COVID-19: Cases Increase on the Coast
Coastal counties have been taking measures to protect public health and slow the spread of COVID-19.
National Wildlife Refuges Entry Fee Waived
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has suspended entrance fees to national wildlife refuges until further notice.
Ferry Division Announces Alternate Schedules
NCDOT’s Ferry Division has adopted an alternate schedule to begin Friday for the ferry system in response to the COVID-19 outbreak that will allow for deeper cleaning of the ferries while also adapting to lower demand.
Army Corps Puts Moratorium on Permitting
Citing COVID-19 concerns, Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District has put a moratorium on issuing any new shoreline permits, licenses and other activities requiring personnel to visit a site and placed restrictions on access at locks and dams.
Small Businesses Can Apply for Assistance
Small businesses suffering economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19. can now apply for low-interest Small Business Administration disaster loans.
Dare County, Towns Issue Further Guidance
Based on the CDC guidance, Dare County officials and towns in the county have outlined further restrictions and guidelines for those who seek to enter the county or do business with staff.
Ocracoke Visitor Restrictions in Place
New visitor restrictions to Ocracoke will begin at 5 a.m. Thursday as part of Hyde County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cape Lookout Visitor Centers to Close
All Cape Lookout National Seashore visitor centers will be closed Thursday until further notice to help reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus but the islands of North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks will remain open.
Coastal Environmental Projects Get Funding
Attorney General Josh Stein’s office has announced awards of Environmental Enhancement Grants, the first round of EEG grant awards since 2016, including several recipients on the coast.
CRC Cancels Meeting Over Virus Concerns
The state Coastal Resources Commission meeting scheduled for April 8-9 in Manteo has been canceled based on the current guidance to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
National Parks Close Visitor Centers
While the grounds of many of the coast’s National Parks remain open, the visitor centers will be temporarily closed to minimize potential spread of the coronavirus disease.
