Bald Head Island's Response to COVID-19
WHAT TO EXPECT:
As households and businesses across North Carolina are in Phase III of Governor Cooper’s COVID-19 Reopening Plan, the health and safety of Bald Head Island residents, visitors and employees is our top priority.
If you already have plans to vacation on Bald Head Island in the coming weeks or are considering an island getaway, we wanted to make you aware of the social distancing restrictions, ferry/tram service operations, recreation/activities disruptions, and stringent cleaning standards that you can expect.
Download an easy to print PDF outlining COVID-19 important information and helpful links. View a brief video on COVID-19 precautions and requirements for travelers to the island.
SOCIAL DISTANCING RESTRICTIONS:
- Social distancing standards and guidelines are being strictly adhered to for your protection and for the safety of those assisting you along the way. Gatherings are limited to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors in public spaces and a distance of at least 6 feet should be maintained between individuals when possible.
- While in public, guests are advised to wear face masks/coverings. If you choose disposable masks, please dispose of them in proper receptacles and help keep the island beautiful and free of debris.
- If you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms, including cough, headache and/or fever, please DO NOT travel to the island. If symptoms develop after you arrive on the island, please alert your property manager.
FERRIES & TRAMS:
- Passenger ferry capacities are currently reduced and may continue to be, based on mandates by the NC Utilities Commission. Face masks/coverings are required for all ferry and tram passengers ages 3 and up. Social distancing restrictions also apply to the ferry and tram services.
- Transportation between your home and the island ferry terminal by tram is included with a general passenger ferry ticket. Reservations made well in advance are highly recommended, as seats are limited. Tram reservations do not guarantee a seat on the ferry, so you should arrive at least 40 minutes in advance.
- With reduced ferry capacity, you may wait longer to board your ferry. Please keep this in mind if you are departing and trying to catch a flight. For the most up to date information on the ferry, please visit www.baldheadIslandferry.com/covid19.
RECREATION/ACTIVITIES:
- Many activities on the island have been canceled or altered due to restrictions on gatherings and required distancing.
- Bald Head Island Club and Shoals Club temporary memberships are no longer included in Intracoastal Realty’s rental rates. Due to limited access and reduced capacities, guests should contact the clubs directly for access information.
- Restaurants are currently open for takeout and are open for seated dining with limitations on capacity. Please call your restaurant of choice to inquire about hours of operation and services offered or use the web links listed below.
- Certain Bald Head Island Club and Shoals Club services and amenities may be restricted or be operating with limited capacity. We recommend calling ahead to the clubs for updates.
- The Maritime Market is open and well-stocked. Face masks/coverings must be worn and store occupancy is limited. Please sign up for the Market’s email or visit www.maritimemarketbhi.com to see the latest on store hours and offerings.
- We recommend that you pre-order groceries from the Maritime Market and arrange delivery to your rental home to help minimize trips to the market. We also suggest that you bring your own cleaning and paper products.
- Retail businesses are now open with limitations on occupancy and requirements that face masks/coverings are worn.
- Please do not ship packages to the island. Plan to bring what is needed for your stay, or purchase items from our local businesses. The only exception is essential medical supplies. Guests who have essential medical packages arriving to the Island Parcel Center may not pick up the package personally. IPC will contact your property manager with pickup information.
CLEANING STANDARDS:
- CDC-approved sanitizing and disinfecting products for killing the COVID-19 virus are being utilized to clean our vacation rental homes, both inside and on decks and porches.
- Housekeeping teams use fresh laundered cleaning rags/supplies to prevent the spread of germs from one home to another.
- Bedding and towels are cleaned in industrial-grade washer/dryers using appropriate detergents and dried at high temperatures.
- Bed coverings that are dry clean only or are difficult to wash and dry at high heat are being replaced with washable cotton blankets and the double top sheet method is being used.
- Housekeeping staff is adhering to social distancing guidelines while working in homes and are wearing appropriate face masks and gloves.
- Particular attention is being paid to the disinfecting of high touch areas and items in between rental turns, including house keys, remote controls, door, and cabinet knobs, light switches and faucets.
- We strongly suggest that you also bring your own preferred cleaning supplies with you in order to keep your rental home sanitized and disinfected while vacationing. If you prefer to have additional cleanings during your stay, please contact your property manager.
WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER:
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we welcome visitors to Bald Head Island, while strictly adhering to the Governor’s guidelines. Please remember to be patient and courteous with island employees and business owners who are following and enforcing guidelines for your safety and the safety of everyone in our community. We continue to thank our frontline workers in all industries for getting us through these challenging times.
Updates from island restaurants, clubs, service providers and retailers can be found at the websites listed below. Download an easy to print PDF outlining COVID-19 important information and helpful links.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Published on Thursday, May 28, 2020