Six employees on the Pamlico Sound ferry route between Cedar Island and Ocracoke have tested positive for COVID-19. The North Carolina Department of Transportation said a news release that two of the positive tests came from the crew of the M/V Swan Quarter, and the other four came from shore personnel. The employees who tested positive are recovering at home under quarantine for at least 14 days. The department said eleven other employees who were in contact with the crew have not tested positive, but are in quarantine. The vessel and terminals at Cedar Island and Ocracoke have been cleaned and sanitized.
Due to a temporary shortage of personnel on the route, service on the Pamlico Sound routes between Cedar Island, Swan Quarter and Ocracoke will be reduced between Dec. 22-28. The schedule will be as follows:
- Ocracoke-Cedar Island: 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Cedar Island-Ocracoke: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- Ocracoke-Swan Quarter: 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Swan Quarter-Ocracoke: 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 safety measures on state ferry routes include mandatory face coverings for ferry crew when on board. Passengers are required to wear masks and social distance when outside of their vehicle.
