Dare County in NC is Using Checkpoints to Block Visitors and Keep Coronavirus Out

Dare County, North Carolina is taking, what some would say, some pretty extreme steps to protect residents against Coronavirus. Since March 17th, the town has set up checkpoints to stop…

Alexis Zarycki

Updated Mar 30, 2020 11:25 AM EDT

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Dare County, North Carolina is taking, what some would say, some pretty extreme steps to protect residents against Coronavirus. Since March 17th, the town has set up checkpoints to stop visitors and non-residents from coming to the popular Outer Banks tour destination. CNN says in order to pass one of the checkpoints, you have to show your ID which must have a county address on it. Anyone who has to travel into the county for work has to get a special permit.

With its small population and a single hospital, Dare County believes that taking strict precautions is necessary. Outer Banks Hospital, the primary medical facility there, only has about 20 beds. "It is imperative to take measures to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 and not overwhelm our healthcare system so it can care for those who are at most risk and continue to provide routine medical and emergency services," the county said in an earlier news release. "The intent of this declaration is to decrease the risk of exposure and limit the spread of COVID-19 in Dare County by eliminating non-essential travel, thereby reducing the number of individuals in the county and ultimately reducing potential virus spread and the burden on our healthcare system," it added.