The following FAQs pertain to the COVID-19 Stay at Home Proclamation as amended and restated on March 29, 2020.
Related Questions
HOW LONG WILL THIS BE IN EFFECT?
This Proclamation takes effect at 5:00 PM on March 31, 2020 and will continue to be in effect through April 29, 2020.
We want to be sure the Proclamation is in place for only as long as necessary, and Town of Beaufort officials are closely monitoring the situation every day in order to determine what adjustments make sense.
All persons, businesses, and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Proclamation.
Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
This is a critical intervention to reduce harm from the spread of the coronavirus in our community. This is a mandatory order enforceable by the Beaufort Police Department and may lead to a fine or jail.
Carteret County Health Officials are responding to quickly mounting cases and serious illnesses across the region.
Now is the time to do everything we can to prevent the situation from getting much worse in a matter of days or weeks. Every hour counts. We need and appreciate the cooperation of everyone who lives and works in the Town of Beaufort to act immediately.
While this news may feel alarming, it is a necessary step to prevent a worsening situation. The patterns of the virus around the world, and in our own state, tell us that moving right now to maximize social distancing and restrict people gathering is the best way to fight the virus and save lives.
If everyone works together, we should be able to adjust to the new rules over the next few weeks.
We know that there will be a lot of questions and concerns at the beginning of this new protocol. This is a major change being taken to protect public health. Please be patient and kind to one another. Together, we will get through this, and our community’s health will be protected.
Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM
IS THIS MANDATORY OR IS IT JUST GUIDANCE?
It is mandatory. This Proclamation is a legal order issued under the authority of North Carolina law. You are required to comply, and it is a misdemeanor crime not to follow the Proclamation (although the intent is not for anyone to get into trouble).
It is critical for everyone to follow the Proclamation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect themselves, their loved ones, friends, neighbors and the whole community.
All persons, businesses, and other entities are required to comply if they do not fall within the exemptions that are specified in the Proclamation.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T COMPLY WITH THIS PROCLAMATION?
You can be fined or imprisoned.
WHERE DOES THE STAY AT HOME ORDER APPLY?
This is in effect within Beaufort town limits.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
NC 2-1-1 is now a resource for the public to call for non-emergency and non-medical inquiries related to COVID-19 coronavirus. You can also text COVIDNC to 898211 for updates.
Public Information Recorded Hotline (252) 726-7177 by the Carteret County Health Department provides 24/7 information on # of confirmed cases, what to do if feeling sick, and information on sheltering in place.
Public Inquiry Phone (252) 726-7060 staffed by the Carteret County Health Department from 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday.
Follow www.beaufortnc.org/coronavirus and www.Facbook.com/BeaufortTown for the latest information from the Town of Beaufort.
If you have specific questions about the Stay at Home Proclamation issued by the Town of Beaufort, contact r.johnson [at] beaufortnc.org.
Updated March 29, 2020 at 6:00 PM