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Following the announcement last week that entry would be restricted to mainland Hyde County, county officials say non-essential visits to Hyde County are still happening.

As a result, Hyde County Government and the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office have announced additional steps to enforce that rule. Effective Thursday, non-resident property owners are now required to apply for a temporary entry pass to enter Hyde County.

Over the past week, Hyde County Public Information Officer Donnie Shumate says the HCSO has been setting up random checkpoints and checking recreational areas daily, including boat ramps.

“I think most everybody they’ve dealt with has been cooperative and just left, if asked,” Shumate said.

A press release from Hyde County Government outlines who needs a pass, who doesn’t and how to apply for one. Key points include:

• Non-resident property owners may apply for a pass online at www.hydecountync.gov/mainland_covid-19_entry. County staff will review each application and contact the applicant if they need more information. Processing will generally take one business day. If the application is not approved, county staff will send an email explaining why.
• Once the application has been approved, the county will send an email containing the pass, which should be printed and put on one’s dashboard when traveling to Hyde County. Showing the pass on a phone is also acceptable. Every person in the vehicle will need to be verified and listed on the permit or access will be denied, and the HCSO will also have access to the list of permits at all times.
• Residents and those who work in Hyde County do not need a pass. They should carry proof of residence or employment at all times when traveling in and out of the county. A North Carolina drivers license is the preferred way to prove residency.
• Vendors and delivery services also do not need a pass but should be able to produce evidence that they represent that company.
• Residents of Beaufort, Dare, Tyrrell and Washington counties shall be granted entry to mainland Hyde County only for activities permitted by the governor’s order and also do not need a pass. However, proof of residency is required.
• The Ocracoke Island reentry pass system is active and can be accessed at www.hydecountync.gov/ocracoke-covid.

“Hyde County appreciates all of our nonresident property owners and our visitors and hopes that through cooperative, proactive measures we can stop the spread of COVID-19 and resume our normal travels soon,” concluded the release from the county.

Questions can be addressed to Shumate at dshumate@hydecountync.gov or by calling 252-926-4474 during business hours.