COVID-19 Stay at Home Proclamation

UPDATE: APRIL 22, 2020

On April 22, 2020, this Proclamation was amended and restated, with changes taking effect at 6 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2020.

Amended Stay at Home Proclamation     
Path to Re-Open Beaufort

A Path to Reopening Beaufort: A Message from Mayor Newton (April 22, 2020)

Over the last seven weeks, we have deliberately and incrementally implemented our COVID-19 measures to flatten the curve and protect our many vulnerable citizens. We continue to closely monitor predictive models and available data to inform our actions. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projected NC COVID-19 deaths would peak on April 16, and that hospital resource use would peak on April 15. Those predictions were largely accurate. The institute also predicts that after May 11, 2020, relaxing social distancing requirements may be possible in NC with implementation of containment strategies that include testing, contact tracing, isolation, and limiting gathering size. This containment strategy is consistent with Governor Cooper’s three-step plan for reopening NC. The governor’s stay at home and limited travel executive order is still in effect. Regionally, the number of positive tests for COVID-19 has remained relatively low: Carteret County – 27; Craven County – 36; Jones County – 9; Onslow County – 33; Pamlico County – 6. Significantly, the number of active cases in Carteret County has been stable at around 5 to 7 per day. These data and the predictive models indicate a more positive outlook. Stay-at-home and social distancing measures have been successful in flattening the curve. With the number of positive COVID-19 tests and active patients in Carteret County stabilized and well within our hospital’s capacity, it is time to start looking at measures to reopen our community while at the same time, staying prepared to respond should positive case numbers start to increase significantly. The first of our reopening measures was the removal of the checkpoint at Turner Street Saturday at midnight, followed by the reopening of NC101 and Live Oak Street on Monday, April 20, 2020. If circumstances dictate, we will resume the limited access and checkpoint. Additional reopening measures will be effective on Friday, April 24, 2020, and include the following: 1. The town will no longer be closed to those who reside outside of Carteret County. In particular, we recognize that second home owners need to check on their property and they are a critical and valued component of our community. We appreciate their patience and understanding. 2. A new category of businesses can now reopen: retail businesses that are not “essential businesses,” but that may sell their products by curbside pickup, delivery by mail, or delivery to the customer’s doorstep in strict compliance with the social distancing and disinfection standards of the Town’s Emergency Proclamation and the Governor’s Executive Order 131. 3. Real Estate firms may now show listed properties to potential buyers, provided the properties are vacant, that social distancing measures are strictly enforced, and that frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, etc., are disinfected. 4. Marinas are no longer prohibited from providing services to those who do not reside in Carteret County. The remainder of the restrictions from the Town’s Emergency Proclamation from March 29 will remain in effect through April 29. If conditions in our region remain in a stable (or improved) condition, then we anticipate deferring to the Governor’s executive orders and his plan for reopening North Carolina. We reopen in a new environment where social distancing and emphasis on hygiene will continue for the foreseeable future. The crowded, large-scale events we frequently host in Beaufort will need to be scaled or postponed for COVID-19 considerations. Summer 2020 in Beaufort will be a big challenge. 

On March 23, 2020, the Town of Beaufort issued a Stay at Home Proclamation to help combat COVID-19, which went into effect on Wed, March 25, 2020.

On March 29, 2020, this Proclamation was amended and restated, with changes taking effect Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 5:00 PM. 

• Stay at Home Proclamation - Full Text [PDF]   |   One Pager [PDF]   |   Mayor's Video 
• Stay at Home FAQs  |   Road Closures [PDF

On April 22, 2020, this Proclamation was amended and restated, with changes taking effect at 6 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2020.

• Amended Stay at Home Proclamation     
• Path to Re-Open Beaufort

Summary of Changes in Stay at Home Proclamation - Taking Effect March 31, 2020

• End date has been extended through April 29, 2020.
• Gatherings of any size, inside or outside a home, are not permitted - except for members of a household, which can be together.
• Entry into Beaufort is restricted to Carteret County residents and those engaged in Essential Businesses, Minimum Basic Operations of Non-Essential Businesses, Essential Government Services, and Outdoor Services.   At any given time, two of the three entrances to the Town will be closed.  In the event a checkpoint operates at the point of entry, all adult passengers will be required to show valid North Carolina identification with a Carteret County address.
• Essential Businesses shall take proactive measures to ensure social distancing and regularly clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces while open to the public.
• Transient boats may dock and fuel at marinas, but passengers may not leave the marina or dock property.   Marinas may only provide services for recreational vessels if the passengers are Carteret County residents.
• Hotels and bed and breakfasts are further limited in their operations and short term rentals are prohibited, and owners of such properties must block or remove them from Internet-based platforms.

AMENDED and RESTATED Stay at Home Proclamation

TOWN OF BEAUFORT, NC 
STATE of EMERGENCY 
DECLARATION

AMENDED AND RESTATED

PROCLAMATION to STAY AT HOME, LIMIT MOVEMENT, CLOSE ROADS, 
and RESTRICT the OPERATION of PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT
Effective 5:00 PM on March 31, 2020

The undersigned hereby amends State of Emergency Declaration Number 2 by restating and amending said Declaration as herein provided; all amended or added language is underlined and italicized for purposes of ease of reference; all amendments are effective at 5:00 PM on March 31, 2020; all provisions of said Declaration remain in full force and effect except as herein expressly amended; said Proclamation, as amended, now remains in effect through April 29, 2020. 

THIS PROCLAMATION DIRECTS:

1. ALL INDIVIDUALS CURRENTLY LIVING IN THE TOWN OF BEAUFORT, NC TO REMAIN AT THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE, EXCEPT THAT THEY MAY LEAVE TO: 
   1. ENGAGE IN CERTAIN ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES; OR
   2. WORK FOR ESSENTIAL BUSINESS; OR
   3. PROVIDE ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES.
2. ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE GATHERINGS OF ANY NUMBER OF PEOPLE OCCURRING OUTSIDE A SINGLE HOUSEHOLD OR RESIDENTIAL UNIT ARE PROHIBITED, EXCEPT FOR THE PURPOSES EXPRESSLY PERMITTED HEREIN. NOTHING IN THIS PROCLAMATION PROHIBITS THE GATHERING OF MEMBERS OF A HOUSEHOLD OR RESIDENTIAL UNIT.
3. ALL BUSINESSES WITH PHYSICAL LOCATIONS IN THE TOWN OF BEAUFORT TO CEASE NONESSENTIAL OPERATIONS;
4. CONTINUATION OF ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES;
5. ROAD CLOSURES TO RESTRICT ACCESS INTO AND OUT OF TOWN; 
6. ALL INDIVIDUALS TO REPORT COVID-19 SYMPTOMS OR EXPOSURE AND SELF-ISOLATE; AND
7. THAT ENTRY TO THE TOWN OF BEAUFORT IS RESTRICTED TO RESIDENTS OF CARTERET COUNTY AND THOSE ENGAGED IN ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES, ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES, OR OUTDOOR SERVICES.

This Proclamation is authorized by § 166A-19.31 of the North Carolina General Statutes and Chapter 33 of the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Beaufort.

The State of Emergency previously declared by the Town of Beaufort on March 17, 2020 remains in effect and applies to all areas inside the city limits of the Town.

All Orders previously issued by the Governor of the State of North Carolina and other North Carolina officials remain in full force and effect, including Executive Orders issued since March 10, 2020 and the March 17, 2020 Order of Abatement of Imminent Hazard issued by the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

All such Orders are enforceable by local law enforcement agencies, including the Police Department of the Town of Beaufort. As provided by North Carolina General Statutes and the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Beaufort, violation of or failure to comply with this Proclamation could constitute a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

SUMMARY

The virus that causes Conoravirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) is easily transmitted, especially in group settings, and it is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect the ability of public and private healthcare providers to handle the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety.

Because of the risk of the rapid spread of the virus, and the need to protect all members of the community in the Town of Beaufort, especially health care providers and individuals most vulnerable to the virus, this Proclamation requires all individuals within the corporate limits of Town of Beaufort to abide by the restrictions and regulations found herein.

This Amended and Restated Proclamation takes effect at 5:00 PM on March 31, 2020 and will continue to be in effect until April 29, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended, subject to the limited exceptions and under the terms and conditions more particularly set forth below. This Proclamation is intended to be in place for only as long as necessary, and Town officials will closely monitor the situation to determine any adjustments are needed.

Under any of the limited circumstances in which individuals are allowed to interact in person outside their residence, the Town ORDERS individuals to abide by the following requirements:

• Maintain at least six feet distance from other individuals, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, cover coughs or sneezes;
• For people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of serious complications should they contract COVID-19, regardless of age, and other health care workers and other essential providers, avoid leaving their homes to the extent possible;
• For employers in the Town of Beaufort that do not provide essential businesses or government services, take all steps necessary for employees to work remotely from home to the extent possible.

These requirements build on the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines issued March 11, 2020, extended as necessary to address the health emergency affecting the Town of Beaufort.

No individual who is sick may go to the workplace or be outside the home except as necessary to seek or receive medical care in accordance with guidance from public health officials. The Town of Beaufort may revise this Proclamation as the situation evolves. Check the Governor’s coronavirus website regularly.

PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY THE GENERAL STATUTES OF NORTH CAROLINA AND THE 
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN OF BEAUFORT, THE TOWN OF BEAUFORT ORDERS:

1. STAY AT HOME OR PLACE OF RESIDENCE.

All individuals currently within Beaufort town limits are ORDERED to stay at home or at their place of residence except as allowed by this Proclamation. For the purposes of this Proclamation, homes or residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units, shelters, and similar facilities. Individuals may leave home for certain Essential Activities (§1.1), to work for Essential Businesses (§2.1), or provide Essential Government Services (§3).

Individuals whose residences are unsafe or become unsafe, such as victims of domestic violence, are permitted and urged to leave their home and stay at a safe alternative location. Individuals experiencing homelessness are exempt from this directive, but strongly urged to obtain shelter.

1.1. Essential Activities

For purposes of this Proclamation, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following essential activities, provided they follow Social Distancing Requirements (§1.2).

1.1.1. For health and safety. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety of self, family, household, partners, or pets.
1.1.2. For necessary supplies and services. To obtain for themselves and their family or household members (or to deliver to others) necessary supplies such as groceries and food, household consumer products, items needed to work from home, and products needed to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.
1.1.3. For outdoor activity. Provided compliance with Social Distancing, such as walking, hiking, cycling, or running.
1.1.4. To take care of others. To care for a family member, friend, or pet in another household, and to transport them as allowed.
1.1.5. For certain types of work. At Essential Businesses (§2.1) or Essential Government Services (§3), or performing Minimum Basic Operations (§2.3).

1.2. Social Distancing Requirements

Any person within the corporate limits of the Town of Beaufort shall practice Social Distancing whenever outside their residence. Essential Businesses, Essential Government Services, and Outdoor Services shall take proactive measures to ensure those at their place of business practice social distancing. For purposes of this Proclamation, Social Distancing includes:

1.2.1. Maintaining at least six-feet distance between individuals. Essential Businesses shall post signage to alert people to this requirement and modify retail check-out lines however possible (e.g., installing sneeze guards, floor markings, etc.) to ensure social distancing.​
1.2.2. Frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Essential Businesses shall provide hand sanitizing stations in multiple locations, and employees shall be required to wash their hands at least every hour.​
1.2.3. Coughing or sneezing into the crook of one’s elbow, or into a tissue (and then disposing of the tissue into the trash).
1.2.4. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.  Essential Businesses shall disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., check-out stations, rest rooms, shopping cart handles, gas pump nozzles, pieces of equipment, etc.) at least every hour while open, and at the beginning and end of each work day.

2. CEASE NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS OR OPERATIONS.

All businesses and operations in the Town, except Essential Businesses (§2.1), are required to cease all activities within the Town except to perform Minimum Basic Operations (§2.3). “Business” means any for-profit, non-profit, or private educational entity - regardless of the nature of the service or function they perform, or of the organization’s corporate or entity structure.

Businesses may continue any operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e., working from home).

2.1. Essential Businesses

The following businesses are encouraged to operate and remain open to the public provided they enforce, to the greatest extent possible, Social Distancing Requirements (§1.2) and meet any other requirements within this Proclamation.

2.1.1. CISA List. All workers identified in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response issued on March 19, 2020.
2.1.2. Stores that sell groceries or medicine. Grocery stores, farmers markets, farm and produce stands, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products. This includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.
2.1.3. Organizations that provide charitable and social services. Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.
2.1.4. Healthcare and public health operations. Hospitals, medical clinics, dental and eye care clinics, etc. to avoid any impacts to delivery of healthcare, broadly defined. Does not include fitness and exercise gyms, spas, salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and similar facilities.
2.1.5. Media and first amendment protected speech.
2.1.6. Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation. Retail and wholesale fuel (gas, diesel, fuel oil, LP) sales, vehicle supply and repair facilities, and vehicle sales.
2.1.7. Financial and insurance institutions.
2.1.8. Hardware and supply stores.
2.1.9. Critical trades. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers only while providing services that are necessary to maintaining safety and sanitation.
2.1.10. Mail, post, shipping, logistics, delivery, and pick-up services.
2.1.11. Educational institutions. Public and private preK-12 schools, colleges and universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions - provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the extent possible. This is consistent with and does not amend or supersede prior Orders regarding school closures.
2.1.12. Laundry services. Laundromats and laundry service providers.
2.1.13. Restaurants for consumption off-premises. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out. This is consistent with and does not amend or supersede prior Orders regarding the closure of restaurants.
2.1.14. Services and supplies for Essential Businesses, Essential Government Services, or Minimal Basic Operations. Businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply support or materials needed to enable Essential Businesses (§2.1), Essential Government Services (§3), or Minimal Basic Operations (§2.3).
2.1.15. Transportation. Taxis, transportation network providers (such as Uber or Lyft), marinas, docks, boat storage, and other private, public, and commercial transportation and logistics providers necessary for Essential Activities described above.  The following restrictions apply to and shall be enforced by marinas, docks, and boat storage facilities: a) transient vessels may be permitted to dock and fuel; passengers on transient vessels shall be restricted to the marina or dock property (for Beaufort Docks, this shall include the boardwalk); b) services shall only be provided to recreational vessels if the passengers are residents of Carteret County, or for those who have secondary residences in Carteret County and are residing in them as of 5:00 PM, March 30.​
2.1.16. Home-based care and services. For adults, seniors, children, and/or people with disabilities, substance abuse, and/or mental illness, including caregivers such as nannies who may travel to the child’s home and other in-home services such as meal delivery.
2.1.17. Residential facilities or shelters. For adults, seniors, children, pets, and/or people with disabilities, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.
2.1.18. Professional services. Legal, accounting services, real estate services, but only when necessary to assist public sector clients with pandemic response activities or when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities.
2.1.19. Childcare facilities.
2.1.20. Hotels, motels, and Bed and Breakfasts. To the extent used for lodging (by those and only those engaged in Essential Business, Essential Government Services, Outdoor Services, or those under quarantine or isolation, and those caring for resident family members), and delivery or carry-out food services.  Short term rentals (rental of a portion of, or an entire residential property for less than 90 days) are prohibited. Owners and managers of such properties shall block or remove them from internet based platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, and owners and property management firms shall discontinue rental of such properties. Owners and managers of such lodging shall place notices of COVID-19 restrictions and considerations on their websites and on the premises of their properties. ​
2.1.21. Funeral services. Funeral, mortuary, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services.
2.1.22. Waste removal and recycling services.

2.2. Outdoor Services

Until further notice, those businesses that operate primarily outdoors or in structures  under construction (e.g., construction related contractors, lawn maintenance, boat repair or maintenance, golf courses, etc.) and consistently practice Social Distancing Requirements (§1.2)  are permitted to operate as if they were an Essential Business.

2.3. Minimum Basic Operations

Provided compliance with Social Distancing Requirements (§1.2), any business may have staff present to perform the following Minimum Basic Operations.

2.3.1. Minimum activity needed to maintain value of business inventory, ensure security, process payroll and benefits, or for related functions.
2.3.2. Minimum activity needed to facilitate employees working from home.

3. CONTINUE ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES.

Federal, state, and local governments (including authorities and public school systems) shall continue services classified as “essential” by the respective unit of government.

4. RESTRICT ACCESS INTO AND OUT OF TOWN.

All travel is prohibited, except leaving the home for Essential Activities (§1.1), maintaining Essential Businesses (§2.1) and Minimum Basic Operations (§2.3), or providing Essential Government Services (§3).

4.1. Road Closures

To allow for a single point of entry into the Town of Beaufort, two of the following three points of ingress and egress will be closed at any given time:​ Live Oak Street will be closed approximately 290 feet northeast of Professional Park Drive, Turner Street will be closed at US 70, and NC-101 will be closed at US-70, as authorized by NCGS 166A-19.31(b)(1)(e).

4.2. Visitors Prohibited

Except for those engaged in Essential Businesses, Essential Governmental Services, or Outdoor Services, entry into the Town of Beaufort is restricted to residents of Carteret County. In the event that the Beaufort Police Department operates a checkpoint at the single ingress/egress point into Town, entry to the Town of Beaufort will be allowed only upon the presentation of a valid North Carolina driver’s license showing a Carteret County address, or other credential recognized by the Town.  Every person requesting entry into the Town of Beaufort shall present such identification, including but not limited to each and every adult passenger in any motor vehicle.

5. REPORT COVID-19 SYMPTOMS OR EXPOSURE AND SELF-ISOLATE.

Any person who experiences symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, aches, tiredness), or has been exposed to someone who has or may have COVID-19, is ORDERED to call their healthcare provider or the Carteret County Health Department (252-728-8550) and ask for instructions, and is also ORDERED to self-isolate to prevent the possible infection of others.

DECLARED this the 29th day of March, 2020.