County of Tyrrell State of Emergency Declaration

Published 12:42 pm Tuesday, March 24, 2020

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From the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners

Whereas, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death, which is a new strain of coronavirus previously unidentified in human and which can spread from person to person, and;

Whereas, the State of North Carolina through the Governor has issued Executive Orders 116 and 117 related to the declaration of a state of emergency and a protective actions for a coordinated response to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and;

Whereas, the United States of America through the President has issued a proclamation declaring a national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak, and;

Whereas in consultation with health care professionals and based upon guidance for the Centers for Disease Control and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services it is clear that arrangements must be made immediately to take such actions as are necessary to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, and;

Whereas, as a result of the health disaster, I have determined that there is an imminent threat of, or existing conditions that have caused or will cause widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life and property, and that public safety authorities will be unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for live and property, and;

Whereas, declaring a state of emergency and imposing the restrictions and prohibitions ordered herein is necessary to maintain order and protect the public health, safety and welfare and to secure property.

Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Chairman of the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners Under Article 1A of Chapter 166 A of the General Statutes of North Carolina, a State of Emergency is hereby declared in all area of the jurisdiction of Tyrrell County.

Pursuant to GS 166A-19.31, I hereby specifically prohibit mass gathering pursuant to state or federal law. A mass gathering does not include normal daily operations at medical facilities, daycare centers, libraries, shopping centers, offices, factories, grocery stores or retail establishments.

I further discourage Tyrrell County residents from discretionary travel from and to Tyrrell County to minimize potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

All persons are encouraged to follow provisions of the Martin Tyrrell Washington Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and maintain social distancing for 6 feet whenever possible and wash hands, utilize hand sanitizer and practice proper respiratory technique.

As conditions warrant, specific restrictions and prohibitions may be imposed regarding, but not limited to, evacuation, restricted access, curfew, alcohol sales, dangerous weapons, gasoline, business operations, and such other matters as are necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

I hereby order all law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management response personnel subject to Tyrrell County control to cooperate the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration, all local ordinances, state and federal law and the Tyrrell County Emergency Operations plan.

I order this Declaration to be distributed to all the news medial and other organization calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public, to be filed with the Clerk of the Board of Commissioners of Tyrrell County, and to be distributed as necessary to all others to ensure proper implementation of this declaration.

This Declaration shall take effect at noon on March 20 and shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded.

 

Nathan T. Everett

Chairman

 

Penny Rhodes Owens

Clerk