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By Dare County Emergency Management

Dare County officials met Friday afternoon and have updated the Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 to include a mandate that face coverings be worn in indoor and outdoor public spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained. This measure became effective Sunday, June 21.

The updated declaration covers all areas of Dare County including the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo and the unincorporated areas of Dare County, including Hatteras Island and the Dare mainland.

This decision comes following discussion by officials regarding the current state guidelines that strongly encourage face coverings. Voluntary compliance with face covering recommendations has not been effective within Dare County and local business owners have requested a stronger tool for compliance.

There are some exceptions to the updated mandate including for those dining in a restaurant, for reasons related to medical or behavioral conditions, and for children under the age of 12.

Wearing a face covering or mask in public when unable to social distance is crucial to maintaining the health and safety of the Outer Banks community. Keep in mind that there may be justifiable reasons some individuals are not wearing a mask or cloth face covering in public. Please be kind, show compassion, and wear your mask to protect those who can’t.