Outer Banks blocking roads, refusing to allow outsiders amid coronavirus outbreak

Dare County, which includes much of the Outer Banks, is turning away visitors in an effort to keep out the coronavirus.

The coastal county announced the decision just before noon Tuesday, saying roadblocks would be in place at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials defended the move for the popular tourist spot by noting it was “in response to updated guidelines from the CDC to avoid discretionary travel.”

“These restrictions may be inconvenient, disappointing and have financial impacts, however, they were made in the interest of public safety to limit the spread of COVID-19,” the Dare County Emergency Center said in an email.

Officials said “checkpoints will be established at entry points to Dare County and no visitors will be allowed access. ... Residents will be allowed reentry with a valid NC driver’s license or government-issued identification card with a local address.”

Only permanent residents, non-resident property owners and non-resident employees of Dare County businesses will be allowed in, officials said.

A permitting system is being set up to allow for “essential personnel,” such as utility workers, medical professionals and government officials, according to a Dare County Website.

The lockdown comes as North Carolina reports more than 40 coronavirus cases in 17 counties. Schools are closed, and Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order Tuesday that limits bars and restaurants to takeout and delivery orders only.

So far, no infections have been reported on the Outer Banks, a series of barriers islands connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. However, coastal Onslow and Brunswick counties have each reported a single case of the virus.