Records crowds are expected at North Carolina beaches this holiday weekend, and health experts offer suggestions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus for those ready to put their toes in the sand.
coronavirus
‘Safer At Home’ Phase 2 Begins Friday
North Carolina’s stay-at-home order will be lifted at 5 p.m. Friday as the state transitions to Phase 2’s “safer at home” recommendations.
Amid Hardship, Lockdown Curbs Energy Use
Coastal electric cooperatives have taken measures to help members keep their lights on during the stay-at-home order, which researchers say has reduced emissions and improved air quality.
Cape Lookout to Offer More Services
Cape Lookout National Seashore officials began Friday gradually increasing public recreation opportunities, including reopening restrooms and offering limited ferry service through the park’s concessioner.
Outer Banks Parks Visitor Services to Increase
More services will be available to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial visitors starting May 22.
Bring Your Own Paper Goods: Beach Towns
Beach towns are gearing up to welcome visitors as coronavirus restrictions begin to ease, but along with beach towels and swimsuits, vacationers are advised to pack toilet paper and other scarce grocery items.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Route Service Increases
The North Carolina Ferry Division will increase service between Hatteras and Ocracoke from seven to 15 departures per day starting Wednesday in preparation for the Outer Banks communities reopening this weekend.
New Bills Address Reforms, Virus Response
Recently filed bills in the North Carolina General Assembly include measures to carry out planned changes at state ports and the Department of Environmental Quality, along with COVID-19 relief.
CARES Act Marks $5.5 Million for NC Fisheries
North Carolina’s seafood industry is marked to receive nearly $5.5 million in federal assistance to help offset losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coastal Communities Adjust Restrictions
Towns and counties along the coast are adjusting restrictions related to COVID-19, including allowing short-term rentals and opening beach accesses and public parking.
Interior Secretary Bernhardt Visits NC Coast
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt visited the Bodie Island Lighthouse Thursday as part of a regional tour of national parks and refuges to promote President Trump’s “Opening Up America” guidelines to safely access public lands.
Program Gets At-Home Students Connected
Students stuck at home without high-speed internet to attend class online, and those with other, more basic needs are getting help and meals thanks to Outer Banks Community Foundation’s Rapid Response Grants.
New Hanover Museum to Document COVID
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is seeking objects, photographs and documents that show the many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the lives of people in the Lower Cape Fear.
State Parks Trails, Restrooms to Reopen
North Carolina State Parks announced this week that on Saturday most trails and restrooms will reopen at all state parks that have been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lockdown Inspires Outer Banks Students’ Art
The pandemic lockdown has inspired university students stuck at home on the Outer Banks to further explore and develop their creativity, much like Isaac Newton and William Shakespeare during their day.
Outer Banks to Lift Visitor Restrictions
Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties announced that visitor restrictions will be lifted May 16, following the governor’s announcement that the state will transition Friday to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions.
