COVID-19 Update

May 22, 2020

As households and businesses across North Carolina enter Phase II of Governor Cooper’s COVID-19 Three-Phase Reopening Plan, the health and safety of Bald Head Island residents, visitors and employees remains our top priority. After weighing input from community residents and business owners, the Village of Bald Head Island is preparing to reopen the island to vacationers on May 27, 2020.  

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.

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 10 people indoors and 25 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 cancelled or altered due to restrictions on gatherings and required distancing.
• Restaurants are currently open for takeout. Once NC moves into Reopening Phase 2, restaurants will be allowed to be 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 are 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 appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we begin to welcome visitors back to Bald Head Island, while strictly adhering to the Governor’s reopening guidelines. As we return to a “new normal,” 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.

We look forward to helping families make great island memories this year, even with the unprecedented challenges we all face together.

For more information on COVID-19 safety measures, vacation rentals and general island information, visit www.baldheadisland.com. 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:
Village of Bald Head Island: www.villagebhi.org
All About Art: www.allaboutartbhi.com 
Always Ready Cart Care: www.alwaysreadycarts.com  
Antique Maps & More: www.antiquemapsandmore.com  
Bald Head Blues: www.baldheadblues.com   
Bald Head Island Club: www.bhiclub.net    
Bald Head Island Club Food Ordering: email [email protected] 
Bald Head Island Conservancy: www.bhic.org 
Bald Head Island Ferry: www.baldheadIslandferry.com/covid19 
Cary Cart Company: www.carycartco.com 
Coastal Urge: www.coastalurge.com 
Island Hardware: www.ihandm.com 
Island Passage:  www.islandpassageclothing.com 
Island Retreat & Spa: www.islandretreatspa.com 
Jules Salty Grub & Island Pub: www.julessaltygrubbhi.com 
Maritime Market: www.maritimemarketbhi.com/grocerydelivery 
Noonie Doodle Sweets & Treats: www.nooniedoodle.com 
Old Baldy Foundation: www.oldbaldy.org  
Silver Peddler: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Silver-Peddler-Gift-Accessories  
Riverside Adventure Company: www.riversideadventure.com 
Room Service: www.roomservicebhi.com 
Village Chapel: www.villagechapelofbaldheadIsland.org

 

May 8, 2020

The following information was disseminated by Bald Head Island Transportation Inc. on May 8, 2020.   
 
BALD HEAD ISLAND TRANSPORTATION, INC. OPERATIONS UNDER STAY AT HOME EXECUTIVE ORDER 121  
 
In light of Governor Cooper’s Proclamation, effective May 8, 2020, and the Village of Bald Head Island’s Proclamation effective April 28, 2020, all passengers are required to wear a "hands-free" facial mask/covering at all times on passenger vessels, trams, and shuttles. All ferry vessels are limited to 75 passengers plus crew. Regular Ferry service to and from Bald Head Island will be amended and will consist of ferry service departing on the hour, beginning at 7:00 a.m., from the Deep Point Terminal on the mainland, and departing on the half-hour, beginning at 7:30 a.m., from the Bald Head Island Terminal, returning to Deep Point. Final mainland departure from Deep Point Terminal will be 7:00 p.m., and final Island departure from Bald Head Island Terminal will be 7:30 p.m. Contractor Ferry service to and from Bald Head Island will continue to operate on its normal schedule. In-bound and Out-bound passenger tram service is operational subject to passengers securing a tram reservation (All passengers required to wear a "hands-free" facial mask/covering at all times). Contractor shuttle service to and from the Bald Head Island Terminal will continue to operate on its normal schedule (All passengers required to wear a "hands-free" facial mask/covering at all times). The lounge at Deep Point Terminal will be closed. Please note, the Island Times Café has already suspended operations.

Revised Passenger Ferry Schedule

Revised Contractor Ferry Schedule

 

April 25, 2020  COVID-19 Update

 The following information was disseminated by Bald Head Island Transportation Inc. on April 25, 2020.   
 
BALD HEAD ISLAND TRANSPORTATION, INC. OPERATIONS UNDER STAY AT HOME EXECUTIVE ORDER 121  
 
In light of Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay at Home Order from March 30 until April 29, 2020 (now extended to May 8, 2020), Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. is implementing the following schedules beginning Monday, April 27, 2020, to comply with the Order and ensure the safety of our employees and customers:

 

Passenger Ferry 

Contractor Ferry 

 

March 31, 2020 COVID-19 Update (Revised, April, 24, 2020)

The following information was disseminated by Bald Head Island Transportation Inc. on March 31, 2020.   
 
BALD HEAD ISLAND TRANSPORTATION, INC. OPERATIONS UNDER STAY AT HOME EXECUTIVE ORDER 121  
 
In light of Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay at Home Order from March 30 until April 29, 2020 (now extended to May 8, 2020), Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. is implementing the following schedules beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020, to comply with the Order and ensure the safety of our employees and customers:

Passenger Ferry Schedule  
Contractor Ferry Schedule 

March 19, 2020 COVID-19 Update

The following information was disseminated by the Village of Bald Head Island in its Village's Voice newsletter dated March 19, 2020.

The Village of Bald Head Island Mayor, with the support of Village Council, has declared a State of Emergency which includes a Voluntary Evacuation for the Village of Bald Head Island with the following orders, prohibitions, and restrictions: 

1)     Discontinuance of All Short-term Rental Operations: All rental agencies and property owners that rent properties on Bald Head Island are instructed to have all current renters, for a rental period of less than three (3) months duration, and their invitees vacate the premises and leave the Island by not later than 2 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Effective immediately, there will be no new rental occupancies of any nature or duration allowed on the Island.  

2)     Restricted Access: Only property owners and residents, business owners and their respective employees and contractors, and municipal employees and contractors shall be admitted to the island after 6:00 PM today, March 19, 2020. 

3)     Village Operations: The Village Manager, Assistant Manager or their designee are hereby authorized to take all lawful actions necessary to manage the Village during this State of Emergency, including, without limitation, procuring goods and services necessary to manage this emergency and adjustment of hours, access, and operation of all Village-owned facilities, parks, and government operations as deemed reasonably necessary to restrict the spread of COVID-19 and protect Island residents, the public and municipal employees.    

Unless and until further notice is given, these restrictions will remain in place through Thursday April 30, 2020. A copy of the full proclamation can be viewed HERE. 

For regular COVID-19 updates from the Village of Bald Head Island, visit www.villagebhi.org. 

For the latest information on passenger ferry service to and from the island, visit www.baldheadislandferry.com.

Property managers will be in touch with renters with reservations affected by the proclamation.

March 17, 2020 COVID-19 Update

On Bald Head Island, the health and well-being of our property owners, visitors and employees is our top priority. Following the lead of the Village of Bald Head Island, we are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is taking precautions to keep our guests, employees and the greater community safe. 

We are communicating with you to let you know that we are experiencing high call volumes. We kindly ask that rental guests who have reservations that are more than 14 days out to wait to contact us as the situation with COVID-19 is changing daily. We are committed to helping all of our rental guests with their stay questions. By contacting us closer to your vacation dates you will be able to receive the latest news.

Based on the governor of North Carolina’s direction, many island stores and services are closed or are operating under reduced hours. The Old Baldy Lighthouse and Bald Head Island Conservancy have cancelled tours and programs until further notice. In accordance with Governor Cooper’s Executive Order requiring that restaurants and bars close for table service as of 5 p.m., 3/17/2020, island restaurants will not be seating guests. Some island restaurants may be offering take-out or delivery service. The Maritime Market remains open and is offering take-out and delivery service. Please inquire by phone before visiting island establishments. At this time this order in in effect until March 31, 2020. You may read more here.

Bald Head Island Transportation is working closely with the State of North Carolina and local government officials regarding the coronavirus outbreak. Please be advised that disrupted and curtailed ferry service should be anticipated. As of March 15, 2020, maximum passengers per ferry is limited to 95. For the latest information on passenger ferry service to and from the island, visit www.baldheadislandferry.com.

We are grateful for your patience in these rapidly-changing times. Updates will be made on our website as new information emerges.

Be well,

Your Bald Head Island Property Management Team