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By Connie Leinbach

Ocracoke continues to rebuild from the devastating Hurricane Dorian damage more than six months ago on Sept. 6.

Eagerly awaiting visitors after a three-month shutdown following the storm, islanders are now dealing with a second visitor shut down to help stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The rest of the state and most of the country are in the same boat with the national economy virtually at a standstill, but to have two such hits within six months is especially hard for Ocracoke, which relies on income from visitors.

“I have friends who I’m not sure will make it,” said one business owner who declined to be identified.

Yesterday, the White House granted Gov. Roy Cooper’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina.

The declaration provides Public Assistance to all 100 North Carolina counties, allowing local governments, state agencies and eligible non-profits to be reimbursed for costs involved in responding to the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the sounds of saws, hammers, nail guns and chain saws continue as islanders work on their homes and businesses.

Below are some photos of progress as of this week and last.