As we open the island to visitors, the risk of COVID 19 will increase and the need to be vigilant will increase as well.

• We highly recommend that you require your patrons and your workforce to wear face masks and to practice social distancing while they are in and around your place of business.
• Facemasks are an important safety measure for your patrons, but even more so for your workers who will spend all day potentially exposed to viral contact. This is not a political issue, it is simply a health and safety issue.  
• If you wish to require facemasks and other safety measures, you must post a sign saying so. 
• If a patron refuses to comply, you have the right to ask that person to leave. If they put up an argument; if they refuse to leave, your recourse is to call the Sheriff’s Department and they will respond. Their legal basis would be trespassing, not failure to wear a facemask. 
• If you find yourself with a difficult person, please don’t engage in an argument and don’t put yourself in danger.  Instead, quietly call the Sheriff’s department and ask for assistance. 

Ocracoke Sheriff’s Office: (252) 928-7301. Or dial 911.

Questions, please feel free to call Tom Pahl: 860-933-0259