Masonboro Island, New Hanover boat ramps closing

Masonboro Island
Masonboro Island has closed after big groups gathered there last weekend despite the state's social distancing guidelines.

Big crowds close down Masonboro Island

Masonboro Island, a popular place for boaters to stop and spread their legs in New Hanover County, is closing to the public starting tonight at 7:30 p.m. The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve said the closure is to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The waters around the island will remain open for boats to pass. But the beaches and higher ground of the island will be closed. The Reserve also stated that wading will not be allowed.

The organization decided to close Masonboro Island after dozens of people gathered on the island last weekend without following social distancing guidelines.

Rachel Carson Reserve in Beaufort, as well as Bird Island Reserve near Sunset Beach are also closed.

New Hanover County closing all boat ramps

In related news, New Hanover County is closing all boat ramps within the county. Commission chair Julia Olson-Boseman said the state approved their request to close the county ramps.

“I’m just listening to the healthcare people. I don’t want our hospital overwhelmed, if possible. I’m just trying to save lives,” said Olson-Boseman.

She said the boat ramp closures will take effect Friday, April 3, but did not offer a specific time the order would occur. She informed the mayors of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, and she said they all support the closure.

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