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Residents > Emergency Information > COVID19

COVID 19 Information

July 29th

Govenor Cooper issues Exectutive Order 224 that implements measures to address COVID-19 and related variants.

FAQ'S

June 11th

Governor Cooper issues Executive Order 220 that extends COVID-19 pandemic response measures in Executive Order 215.

May 14th

Governor Cooper issues Executuive Order 215 that lifts COVID-19 restrictions to reflect new public health recommendations.

FAQ'S

April 28th

Govenor Cooper issue Executive Order 209 that removes the outdoor face covering requirement, relaxes restrictions on gatherings and extends the capacity and social distancing measures of Executive Order 204.

FAQ'S

March 24th

Govenor Copper issues Executive Order 204 that further eases restrictions on businesses and gatherings.

FAQ'S

February 24th

Govenor Cooper issues Executive Order 195 that lifts the Modified Stay at Home Order and eases certain restrictions on businesses and gatherings.

FAQ'S

January 20th

Governor Cooper has announced that NC will expand the eligibility for vaccines to group 3. Educators will be eligible for the vaccine starting Feb. 24 and other frontline essential workers in Group 3 will be eligible starting March 10.  Please see the following documents for further details:

DEEPER DIVE GROUP 3 - FRONTLINE ESSENTIAL WORKERS
DEEPER DIVE GROUP 3 - FRONTLINE ESSENTIAL WORKERS (SCHOOL & CHILDCARE)

January 6th

Govenor Roy Cooper issed Executive Order 188 that Extends Executive Order 181's modified stay at home order.

December 8th

Govenor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 181 that Implements a modified stay at home order and requires nighttime closure for certain businesses and activities for all North Carolinians during overnight hours.

FAQ'S

November 23rd

Governor Roy Cooper issued Executuive Order 180 increases face covering requirements to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19.

FAQ'S

November 10th

Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4. The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out.

FAQ'S

October 21st

Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 170 that extends Executive Order 169, keeping the state in Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 coronavirus restrictions.

September 30th

Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 169 that revises prohibitions and restrictions that move the state into Phase 3 measures.

FAQ'S

September 1st

Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 163 revising prohibitions and restrictions that move the state into Safer at Home Phase 2.5 measures.

MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN OF TOPSAIL BEACH 9-2-20
FAQ'S

August 6th

In a press conference yesterday, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 155 extending the “Safer at Home” Phase 2 of North Carolina’s reopening plan.  This latest extension is set to expire at 5 p.m. on September 11, 2020.  Governor Cooper acknowledged stabilization of the data and trends, but added that the stability is fragile and the numbers can change quickly by letting our guard down.   The Phase 2 extension keeps bars, gyms, and entertainment venues closed, but the order did not include any additional restrictions.  Governor Cooper and Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Mandy Cohen once again stressed the importance of wearing a face covering when social distancing is not possible.

Let’s all continue to do our part and follow the 3 w’s. Wear, Wait and Wash.

July 24th

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 7-24-20

July 16th

Govenor Cooper issues Executive Order 151 that Extends Executive Order 141's Safer At Home Phase 2 measures until at least Aug. 7, 2020.

July 2nd

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 7-2-2020

June 25th

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 6-25-2020

June 24th

Govenor Roy Cooper issues Executive Order 147 Extends Executive Order 141's Safer At Home restrictions and requires people, with some exceptions, to wear face coverings in public when social distancing is not possible.  This order goes into effect on June 26th at 5pm.

EO-147 FAQ's

June 17th

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 6-17-2020

June 4th

Govenor Roy Cooper issues Executive Order 143 addressing disparities in communities of color that historically have had less access to health care, housing, economic opportunity and more.

May 20th - 22nd

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina will move into Safer At Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, May 22 at 5 pm. Read Executive Order 141. After two weeks in Phase 1, the state’s overall key indicators remain stable but the continued increases in daily case counts signal a need to take a more modest step forward in Phase 2 than originally envisioned.

FAQ'S FOR PHASE 2
LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 5-21-20
TOPSAIL BEACH STATE OF EMERGENCY 5-22-20

May 7th

Topsail Beach Mayor Steve Smith ammends the Town's State of Emergency to allow for public parking to open up at 10am on May 8th and short-term rentals to resume on May 9th.

TOPSAIL BEACH STATE OF EMERGENCY 5-6-20
LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 5-6-20

May 5th

Govenor Cooper issues Executive Order 138 providing the specifics of what is expected during the State's Phase 1 stage.  He stated that we could remain in this Phase 1 status for 2 - 4 weeks before moving forward to Phase 2 or possibly become more restrictive again depending on how the number of COVID-19 cases develope during Phase 1.

WHAT'S NEW IN PHASE ONE?
FAQ'S

April 30th

The Topsail Beach Board of Commissioners met to discuss the Town's current State of Emergency.  Mayor Steve Smith concluded he would take the other commissioner's recommendations under advisement, speak to legal council and consider changing our current State of Emergency.  No actions were taken.

April 23rd

Governor Cooper held a press conference where he announced the Stay at Home order will be extended until May 8th Executive Order 135.  He also laid out a phased plan for when the time comes to reopen the State. Press release with more details.

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 4-23-20

April 17th

Mayor Steve Smith ammends the Town of Topsail Beach State of Emergency to extend the ban on short-term rentals until May 14th.

TOPSAIL BEACH STATE OF EMERGENCY 4-17-20

April 13th

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 4-13-20

April 9th

Mayor Steve Smith informs the residents of Topsail Beach of some emergency numbers that may be helpful in dealing with their reponse to COVID-19.

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 4-9-20

April 8th

Govenor Ray Cooper issued Executive Order 130 provides more access to health care beds, expands the pool of health care workers and orders essential childcare services for workers responding to the crisis.

April 7th

Governor Roy Cooper issued an Executive Order 129 that creates more flexibility in law enforcement training schedules during the state of emergency so that people training for new positions can pause their training and resume at a later date.  In response to Govenor Cooper's Executive Order 121 Mayor Steve Smith asks Topsail Beach homeowners to be mindful of "Essential Travel" restrictions and the "Stay ay Home" order.

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 4-7-20

April 2nd

Mayor Steve Smith ammended the Town's current State of Emergency to suspend short-term rentals until April 30th in response to the State's Executive Order 121 that contains the "Stay at Home Proclaimation Order".

TOPSAIL BEACH STATE OF EMERGENCY 4-2-20
LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 4-2-20

March 31st

The State issued Executive Order 124 prohibiting utilities - including electric, gas, water and wastewater services - from disconnecting people who are unable to pay during this pandemic and prohibits them from collecting fees, penalties or interest for late payment. The order applies for the next 60 days and gives residential customers at least six months to pay outstanding bills.

March 30th

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 3-30-20

The State issued Executive Order 122 to help schools and local governments access state surplus property to help bridge gaps during the response to COVID-19.

March 27th

Governor Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days, until April 29, 2020, in another step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 121 takes effect on Monday, March 30 at 5:00 PM and reduces the size of gatherings to 10 people. The Order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social distancing measures. The Order has the force of law and will be enforced in all 100 counties statewide.

“To continue our aggressive battle against COVID-19, I have signed a Stay at Home Order for the entire state of North Carolina. Though it is difficult we must do this to slow the disease spread,” said Governor Cooper. “We need our medical system to be able to care for the friends and family we know will become seriously ill from the virus.”

The Governor noted today that three North Carolinians have died due to COVID-19 and the state has 763 confirmed cases of the virus in 60 counties. He called on all North Carolinians to protect themselves by staying home and following social distancing guidelines. North Carolina is now considered to have widespread transmission of the virus, which means people who have tested positive cannot trace where they were exposed to the virus.

The Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others.

“I know this order may lead to even more hardship and heartache. Although we are physically apart, we must take this step together in spirit,” Governor Cooper said. 

What the Stay at Home Proclamation Order means for you:
The Stay at Home Proclamation Order is designed to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The Proclamation directs residents to shelter at home and limit travel outside the home beyond handling specific essential needs until April 29, 2020.

Essential businesses or operations include healthcare and public health operations, human services operations, essential government functions and essential infrastructure. All these functions are fully outlined in the Proclamation Order. 

Here’s a breakdown:

Permissible

  • Visiting a healthcare professional for medical services that cannot be provided virtually
  • Caring for a friend or family member
  • Walking pets; visiting veterinarian
  • Assisting with getting supplies for another person
  • Going to a restaurant for take-out or delivery
  • Going to a pharmacy for medications and other healthcare needs
  • Receiving deliveries from any delivery business
  • Going to grocery, convenience or warehouse stores
  • Exercising outdoors, while maintaining the recommended social distancing of a minimum of six feet. 

Prohibited

  • Going to work, unless you fall under the essential services outlined in the Proclamation
  • Visiting family and friends without having an urgent need to do so
  • Traveling, except when for permissible activities 
  • Gathering in groups 

NORTH CAROLINA EXECUTIVE ORDER 121 FAQ'S
LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 3-27-20

March 25th

Mayor Steve Smith provides an update to the Town concerning COVID-19.

LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 3-25-20

March 23rd

The Town of Topsail Beach ammended it's State of Emergency to temporarily suspend short-term rentals, encourage the closing of private playgrounds and ball courts and extend permits for temporary housing for residents displaced by renovations or reconstruction.  Additionally, the State issued Executive Order 120 that closes K-12 public school statewide through May 15, bans mass gatherings over 50 people, closes some businesses.

TOPSAIL BEACH STATE OF EMERGENCY 3-23-20
PUBLIC NOTICE 3-23-20

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including:

  • Ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15
  • Limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service
  • Restricting visitors to long-term care facilities
  • Promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS’ website at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus and CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus

March 22nd

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated who is at high risk for severe illness. That includes:

  • People aged 65 years and older
  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk
  • Other high-risk conditions could include: 
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have serious heart conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
  • People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk

Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune-weakening medications.

In addition, pregnant women should be monitored closely since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness. However, data so far on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in pregnant women. While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants. 

March 21st

The State issued Executive Order 119 and waives restrictions on child care and elder care, provides DMV flexibilities.

March 20th

In an effort to protect the community and to fully comply with the CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) beginning at noon, March 20th, all parking areas at the public beach and sound accesses, as well as the Town Center (park) will be closed to the public. In addition, the Town has temporarily suspended on-street parking. These measures will be in effect until rescinded. 

TOPSAIL BEACH STATE OF EMERGENCY 3-20-20

March 19th

State of North Carolina Utilities Commission Docket No. M-100, Sub 158

March 17th

The Town of Topsail Beach declared a State of Emergency. This action will help the County and municipalities seek federal funding when appropriate for administrative support and proactive resource mobilization related to COVID-19 preparation, response and recovery. The declaration also gives us the authority to act against anyone who may attempt to sell goods or services at excessive prices and to ensure that people adhere to the state and federal restrictions on public gatherings.  Additionally, the State issued Executive Order 118, closing restaurants and bars for dine-in service, makes unemployment benefits more widely available.

TOPSAIL BEACH STATE OF EMERGENCY 3-17-20
LETTER FROM MAYOR STEVE SMITH 3-17-20
PUBLIC UPDATE 3-17-20

What the State of Emergency Declaration means to you? 

The State of Emergency announcement made on March 17 does not impact daily functions of government and private services agencies, including: 

  • Private and public electric, water, gas and internet service providers will continue normal operations 
  • County and city services, including garbage, recycling, stormwater, and water and sewer systems, and social and veterans services will continue normal operations. 
  • Public safety departments, including police, fire and EMS, are staffed at normal levels and available when needs arise 

March 14th

The State issued Executive Order 117 closing K-12 public schools statewide.

March 10th

Govenor Cooper issues Executive Order 116 declaring a State of Emergency to coordinate response and protective actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.