On the Hatteras ferry. Photo: C. Leinbach

The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route is one of two ferry routes that will run a reduced schedule this week due to some staff exposures to COVID-19.

In a press release today, the N.C. Ferry Division said that at Hatteras, four employees have tested positive for the virus and three are under quarantine due to exposure, while the Currituck-Knotts Island route has one employee under quarantine.

“This latest wave of the pandemic has affected travel services nationwide, and, unfortunately, we’re no exception,” said Ferry Division Director Harold Thomas. “We apologize for any inconvenience to our passengers, but health and safety have to come first.”

The Hatteras-Ocracoke route will run the following schedule today (Dec. 28) until Monday, Jan. 3:

From Hatteras: 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7;30 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight.

From Ocracoke: 4:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

The Currituck-Knotts Island route is closed today (Dec. 28) but will reopen as soon as a full crew can staff the route.

Ferry passengers are encouraged to remain in their vehicles during shorter crossings and are reminded that they must wear face coverings when inside all passenger lounges and terminals.

Ferry operating schedules could change as weather conditions change.

For schedule updates, people should follow NCDOT on social media or call the Hatteras ferry terminal at 252-996-6000.

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