Dare County: show reentry permit and ID at checkpoints for priority-2 critical businesses

Dare County Emergency Management staff said businesses classified as “priority 2” under the county’s staged reentry process must present a reentry permit and a driver’s license at checkpoints staffed by local law enforcement as they return to work after the emergency.

The guidance is intended to allow critical businesses to resume recovery work while curfews and service interruptions remain in some of the hardest-hit areas. “They’re using a stage reentry process. We’re priority 2. Since we’re considered a critical business, that means that we need to get back to help start the recovery process. Some services are still down, and there’s a curfew in effect in places hit hardest,” Dare County Emergency Management staff said.

Staff described the checkpoint procedure in practical terms: “The checkpoint will be staffed by local law enforcement. All you need to do is show your driver’s license and the reentry permit that I sent you. Print the reentry permit and put it in the window. Have your license out ready to be seen. If you weren't able to print the permit, then have it open on your phone so you can show the officer.”

A resident who identified themselves as returning to work confirmed the process. On first contact they asked what was required to pass the checkpoint and later reported success: “I just made it through the checkpoint. Piece of cake, man. I’m glad we were prepared.”

The county’s staged reentry is intended to balance public safety and recovery needs. Emergency management staff emphasized that permits should be printed and placed where officers can see them, or displayed on a phone if printing is not possible. The staff member also noted that a local curfew remains in effect in the most severely affected areas and that some services have not yet been restored.