Dare County: Face masks recommended, but no longer required

Kari Pugh photo

Dare County officials say face masks are still strongly recommended, but no longer required in public settings where distancing is difficult.

On Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order modifying North Carolina’s stay-at-home order, easing restrictions on some businesses beginning tomorrow at 5 p.m.

The governor’s order removes the distinction between essential and nonessential businesses and allows retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity. Those businesses will also be required to direct customers to stand 6 feet apart, perform frequent cleaning, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more. The order allows people to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.

Certain businesses are to remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers through drive through, take-out and delivery.

Following the governor’s order, officials in Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties announced visitors will be allowed to return to the Outer Banks beginning on May 16.

“While no longer required in Dare County, it is strongly recommended that individuals wear a cloth face covering when leaving the house if you may be within six feet of other people who are not household and family members,” Dare County said in a news release. “This would include indoor, community, public and business settings. Face coverings should also be worn outdoors when you cannot stay at least six feet away from other people.”

In North Carolina, there are currently 11,848 cases of COVID-19 in 99 counties. There have been 430 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 498 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

In Dare County, the number of positive tests results has remained at 18 for the past five days.

This story originally appeared on OBXToday.com. Read More local stories here.