The beaches along the Southeastern North Carolina Coast have instituted new policies and regulations to reduce crowds and encourage the idea of “Social Distancing” regarding coronavirus.
From the Outer Banks all the way down to the Brunswick Beaches, the local governments of the beach communities have held emergency meetings to address COVID-19, and all have declared a state of emergency. You may ask what does this mean, well, each town has its own parameters and responses that are befitting their community.
Some beaches, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach, have completely closed. Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle, Holden Beach, and Oak Island have only closed public beach accesses and parking lots, allowing homeowners access to the beach strand. Bald Head Island has called for a voluntary evacuation mandating the discontinuation of vacation rentals until the end of April.
Nearly all towns have suspended short-term rentals on the islands for the upcoming weeks, some potentially ending as soon as April 30th, and some extending until the end of April or until the order has been lifted.
What Can You Do To Help?
You and your family can practice social distancing by limiting non-essential travel, public outings, and socialization.
You can also support the local businesses in your area and in your favorite vacation spot, many of the stores, restaurants, and attractions are still operating at a pared-down level to comply with regulations. Rather than wait until your vacation, if you can afford to, purchase a few gift cards to shops or restaurants where you anticipate you’ll go to use later. This will give businesses more cash flow during timed when they need to keep running with little income.
Also, when regulations and restrictions are lifted, we’d love to have you back here at our beaches, supporting the local community and enjoying the wonderful area we all love and enjoy!
Breaking it Down, Beach by Beach
Sunset Beach
- Discontinuance of all short-term rentals until at least April 22, and all current short-term renters or vacationers must vacate the town by 5 p.m. March 26
- All town buildings and facilities will be closed until further notice, and all public interaction with town staff will be done over the phone
- All public parking lots and right of way parking areas are closed until further notice
- Gatherings in public places including parks and on the beach are limited to 10 people
- Read The Full Update Here
Ocean Isle Beach
- Discontinues short-term rentals, with those currently renting asked to leave by 2 p.m. March 25, and no new rentals allowed until at least April 30th
- Parking in public right of ways, including beach accesses, is prohibited except for town employees and contractors (includes golf carts)
- The community center, public restrooms, and all other public recreation facilities are closed, and all group activity applications are suspended
- Access to public municipal buildings is limited to essential staff and administration
- Gatherings must be limited to 10 people, including on the beach
- Read The Full Update Here
Holden Beach
- Discontinuance of short-term rentals — those with terms under 3 months — until at least April 4, and all current renters must vacate the island by 2 p.m. March 28
- All public parking areas are closed except for town employees and contractors
- Existing facility agreements with the town are suspended until further notice
- All public restrooms and recreational facilities are closed, and town buildings are closed except to staff
- Gatherings must be limited to 10 or fewer people
- Read The Full Update Here
- Discontinues all short-term rentals on the island until further notice — those renting property on the island for any period shorter than three months are to be out by 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 — and no new short-term rentals will be allowed until the order is revoked
- Urges town residents and employees to limit travel as much as possible
- Strongly encourages compliance in limiting groups to 10 or fewer people
- Gives the town manager authority to levy additional restrictions if needed
- Read The Full Update Here
Bald Head Island
The health of our property owners, rental guests, visitors and employees is our top priority. On Thursday, March 19, 2020, the Village of Bald Head Island declared a State of Emergency that includes a Voluntary Evacuation mandating the discontinuation of all vacation rentals and day visits until at least April 30, 2020. Bald Head Island Transportation Inc. is limiting ferry service for all vessels to 45 passengers beginning March 24, 2020. Read the Full Update Here
- Beaches closed pursuant to New Hanover County Declaration
- Both ocean and sound side closed, police will patrol for compliance
- Town buildings and public restrooms closed until further notice
- Read Full Update Here
- Beaches closed pursuant to New Hanover County Declaration
- Public parking lots and Freeman Park also closed
- Read Full Update Here
- Beaches closed pursuant to New Hanover County Declaration
- Read Full Update Here
Surf City
- Discontinuance of all short-term rentals — those with terms under 3 months — for the next 30 days.
- All public beach accesses, parking lots and parks are closed until further notice
- Private property owners can still utilize their beach accesses but are urged to follow social distancing guidelines of 10 or fewer people per group
- Encouraging travel to be limited if at all possible
- Read Full Update Here